By Ayo Kehinde
Several soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have been killed while repelling a coordinated terrorist attack on a military formation in Benisheikh, Borno State, in a fierce overnight encounter that ended in the defeat and retreat of the insurgents.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed on Thursday by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, noting that “in continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack” at about 0030 hours (12:30 a.m.) as insurgents attempted to breach the Brigade Headquarters’ defensive perimeter in Benisheikh.
The troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, “responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” the statement said, adding that “in a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission and leaving behind traces of their failed assault.”
Military authorities described the attack as “a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions.”
The response by troops, it added, “underscores the high level of combat readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in safeguarding critical locations and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East theatre.”
Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of several soldiers, with the Defence Headquarters stating that “a few brave and gallant soldiers… paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, was quoted as honouring “their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” noting that “their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation.”
The High Command also extended “its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones,” while urging adherence to military protocol, stating that “the general public and media are kindly requested to allow the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before the release of further details.”
It further warned against misinformation, stressing that the public should “disregard misinformation, sensational reports, and unverified content circulating across social media platforms, as these undermine ongoing operations and national security efforts.”
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces confirmed that “additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralize fleeing insurgents, as well as to deny them any opportunity to regroup.”
Reaffirming its resolve, the military stated that it “remains resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency,” while the Chief of Defence Staff commended “the bravery, discipline, and steadfastness of the troops, whose sacrifices continue to ensure the safety, stability, and sovereignty of Nigeria.”
Citizens were encouraged to support ongoing operations, as the statement urged the public to provide “timely and credible information” and to “remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as security forces sustain momentum in ongoing operations.”
