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 Police Command in Akwa Ibom has detained seven suspects and recovered firearms after raiding a criminal hideout in Ndiya Mfia, Ikono Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, made the disclosure in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday.

John said that the breakthrough which occurred at about 6.

00a.m on Wednesday followed credible intelligence from members of the public.

“We reliably gathered that criminal suspects were hibernating in a compound disguised as worshippers.

“In a decisive operation, our personnel conducted a thorough search of the premises which led to the detention and recovery of arms,” she said.

She said that the operation was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to decisively combat crime in the country.

The police spokesman further said that two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles and three generators were recovered during the operation.

She also listed 10 mobile phones, one police crest, four jungle boots, one peak cap, saw blade, spanner, number plates, machetes, a special force vest as other items recovered.

“We also found bottles of suspected spiritual oil and one enlarged photograph linked to an ongoing investigation,” she said.

John said that preliminary investigation suggested that the location was being used as cover for criminal operations.

She said that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has directed a comprehensive investigation on the matter in order to apprehend the principal suspect.

John expressed the commitment of the command to rid the state of crime, and urged members of the public to always support the police with timely and credible information.