April 11, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian military has provided a detailed and clarifying account of the intense combat engagement in Borno State that led to the death of Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, reaffirming its operational resilience while debunking widespread misinformation surrounding the incident.
In an official statement issued by the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, authorities described the circumstances of the April 9, 2026, attack in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, as a “fierce but successfully repelled terrorist assault”, contrary to exaggerated reports circulating in sections of the media and social platforms.
The military emphasised that the fallen senior officer, Brig.-Gen. Braimah died in active combat while courageously coordinating a counter-offensive against insurgents suspected to be members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). His actions, officials noted, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership under fire.
According to the statement, “The insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect. The Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault.”
This clarification directly counters earlier claims suggesting mechanical failure contributed to the tragic outcome. Rather, the military stressed that the immobilisation of the MRAP vehicle was a consequence of the intensity of the engagement, underscoring the proximity of command leadership to the frontline during the battle.
Providing further insight, OPHK firmly rejected claims that 17 soldiers were killed during the encounter, describing such figures as “false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.” The verified casualty report confirms that four personnel lost their lives — including Brig.-Gen. Braimah, one other officer, and two soldiers.
This position was corroborated by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, who reiterated that the fallen officers “made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Onoja further elaborated that the troops, despite the ferocity of the attack, maintained their ground and successfully forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat, marking a tactical victory for the Armed Forces.
“The troops engaged the terrorists and held their ground. Regrettably, some personnel paid the supreme price,” Onoja stated, adding that Brig.-Gen. Braimah demonstrated “conspicuous bravery, personal leadership under fire, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his troops.”
The military also addressed the circulation of misleading multimedia content allegedly linked to the incident, clarifying that such images and videos are unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and were deliberately misrepresented to fuel false narratives and public anxiety.
Describing the misinformation campaign as harmful, OPHK warned that the distortion of operational facts undermines national security efforts and diminishes the sacrifices of frontline personnel. The military urged the public to rely solely on verified updates from official channels.
Despite the loss, the Armed Forces underscored the positive operational outcome of the encounter, noting that the failed terrorist assault reflects sustained pressure on insurgent groups and the increasing combat effectiveness of troops in the North-East theatre.
Brigadier-General Braimah was a highly respected senior officer of the Nigerian Army who served until his death as Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East theatre.
Widely regarded within military circles as a “field general”, Braimah was known for his hands-on leadership style, frequently operating close to the frontline and sharing operational risks with his troops rather than directing engagements solely from rear command positions. His leadership approach earned him deep respect among soldiers who viewed him as both a commander and a mentor.
Before his deployment to the counter-insurgency theatre in the North-East, Braimah had an accomplished career that included strategic and diplomatic military assignments. He previously served as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser at the High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he represented Nigeria’s defence interests and contributed to strengthening bilateral military cooperation between both countries.
Colleagues describe him as a disciplined, intelligent, and operationally forward-thinking officer who strongly believed in intelligence-driven warfare. He consistently emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering, coordination, and professional discipline as key pillars of modern counter-insurgency operations.
On the battlefield, Braimah was noted for his composure under fire and personal courage. On the day of the Benisheikh attack that claimed his life, he was actively coordinating a counter-assault when insurgents launched a heavy offensive on troop positions. Even after his MRAP vehicle was temporarily immobilised due to the intensity of the engagement, he continued directing operations until he was fatally struck.
Brigadier-General Braimah leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, frontline leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to national security.
In a solemn tribute, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, alongside the entire Armed Forces, extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“Your loved ones were not ordinary citizens; they were extraordinary Nigerians who chose to stand between danger and the rest of the nation”, the statement read.
The military further reassured Nigerians that the loss of these brave officers would not weaken its resolve but instead strengthen ongoing operations across all theatres. Authorities pledged intensified efforts to combat terrorism as a lasting tribute to those who paid the ultimate price.
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