By David Torough, Abuja

A fierce overnight assault on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, has left several soldiers and Terrorists dead, with conflicting accounts emerging over the fate of a senior army commander.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters at about 12:30 a.

m. on April 9, 2026. According to military authorities, troops under Operation HADIN KAI mounted a strong resistance, repelling the attackers with what was described as superior firepower and professionalism.

The DHQ stated that the insurgents were forced to retreat in disarray after a decisive counterattack led by the brigade commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah.

It, however, acknowledged that some soldiers were killed during the encounter, paying tribute to their sacrifice and bravery.

While the military confirmed casualties, it neither verified nor denied reports that Brigadier General Braimah was among those killed.

In contrast, local and intelligence sources painted a grimmer picture. The Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area, Zannah Lawan Ajimi, alongside multiple intelligence sources, claimed that the brigade commander was killed during the attack. According to these accounts, at least 18 soldiers lost their lives, with terrorists reportedly overrunning parts of the base, destroying vehicles and buildings before withdrawing.

The incident marks what could be the second killing of a brigadier general in less than six months, following the death of another senior officer in November, underscoring growing concerns about the intensity of the conflict.

Military authorities described the attack as an act of desperation by insurgents weakened by sustained operations against them. They also disclosed that clearance operations are ongoing to pursue fleeing attackers and prevent regrouping.

The Benisheikh assault comes amid a broader resurgence of violence across Nigeria’s northern regions. Security analysts and researchers have warned of increasing attacks since 2025, with insurgent activities expanding beyond the northeast.

Recent incidents include deadly raids in northwest Nigeria that reportedly claimed dozens of civilian lives, as well as renewed suicide bombings in Maiduguri, signaling a return to tactics seen at the height of the insurgency.

The deteriorating security situation has also drawn international concern, with foreign advisories reflecting growing unease over safety conditions in parts of the country.

Despite the challenges, the Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to defeating insurgency, assuring citizens of continued operations to restore stability.

As conflicting reports persist, the true scale of casualties and the fate of the brigade commander remains uncertain, highlighting the fog of war surrounding one of Nigeria’s longest-running security crises.

The Brigade Commander, 4 Brigade, Benin, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, on Tuesday, decorated five newly promoted Lieutenant Colonels, charging them to justify their elevation through discipline, loyalty, and improved service delivery.

This was contained in a statement by the brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Capt.

Kennedy Anyanwu in Benin on Wednesday.

Balogun addressing the newly promoted officers said that the promotion marked a transition to higher responsibility, and urged them to rise to the expectations of the Nigerian Army.

According to him, promotion is not merely a reward, but a clear indication of the greater responsibilities expected of you by the Army Council and the Chief of Army Staff.

He tasked the officers to lead by example, mentor subordinates, and contribute to operational effectiveness.

He added that their conduct would shape both unit performances and the army’s public image.

The commander also acknowledged the role of families in the officers’ careers, describing their support as critical to the achievement being celebrated.

”The journey to this rank was not walked alone. The sacrifices and support from your families have been invaluable,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, Lt.-Col. David Omoregie, thanked the army leadership for the promotion and pledged renewed commitment to tackling security challenges.

Other officers decorated include Lt.-Col. Magnus. Nwafor, Lt.-Col. Umaru Mohammed Tomsu, Lt.-Col. Monday Terkuma Nwali, and Lt.-Col. Suleimam Kawu Alkali.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) said it has seized and destroyed 16,000 illicit arms and light weapons across Nigeria in the past four years, as part of efforts to curb insecurity and enhance public safety.

The Director-General of the Centre, Rtd DIG Johnson Kokumo, disclosed this during an administrative and operational visit to the North-West Zonal Office in Kaduna on Tuesday.

Kokumo said the visit was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Centre’s regional structures and strengthening its operational mandate.

He noted that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons remained a major driver of banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes, particularly in vulnerable regions.

According to him, the Centre is committed to eliminating illegal arms through intelligence-driven operations and sustained collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies.

“The successes recorded so far reflect the impact of joint efforts in addressing the menace of illicit arms proliferation,” he said.

The North-West Zonal Office of the Centre covers Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

In his remarks, the Zonal Director, Rtd Commodore Jibril Mukhtar, described the visit as a morale booster for personnel and a demonstration of the leadership’s commitment to field operations.

Mukhtar said the region had recorded relative calm in recent times, attributing the development partly to the recovery and destruction of illegal arms.

He assured that the command would continue to uphold professionalism and align with the Centre’s objectives.

As part of the tour, Kokumo visited the Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, where he held talks with officials on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Muhammad Bashir, who received Kokumo, reaffirmed the Kaduna government commitment to supporting federal initiatives aimed at controlling the spread of illicit arms.

He emphasised the need for intelligence sharing, community engagement and institutional collaboration to achieve sustainable security.

Kokumo also visited the Nigerian Air Force Air Training Command, Kaduna, where he highlighted the importance of military synergy in tackling illicit arms proliferation.

He also inspected the ongoing construction of a permanent North-West Zonal Office, which he said would enhance operational efficiency, coordination and rapid response in the region.