Dare Babalola
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully foiled a coordinated terrorist attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, in what the Defence Headquarters described as a sign of growing desperation among insurgent groups in the North-East.
The attack, which targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters, occurred in the early hours of Thursday at about 12:30 a.m., as terrorists attempted to breach the facility’s defensive perimeter.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops responded swiftly under the leadership of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, repelling the assault with superior firepower and coordinated tactics.
“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,” he said.
The military described the attempted attack as further evidence that terrorist elements, weakened by sustained offensives, are resorting to increasingly desperate missions against fortified positions.
“This attack is 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,” Onoja stated.
Despite the successful defence of the base, the military confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter, describing them as gallant personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
“The Chief of Defence Staff honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation. Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration,” the statement read.
The Armed Forces also appealed for restraint in reporting casualty details, urging the public and media to allow proper notification of next of kin before further disclosures are made.
It further warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that “sensational reports and unverified content” could undermine ongoing military operations and national security efforts.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified follow-up operations in the area, launching clearance and exploitation missions aimed at tracking down fleeing insurgents and preventing any regrouping.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and restoring stability across the North-East.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency,” Onoja said, adding that troops’ performance in Benisheikh reflects their high level of combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
He also called on citizens to support security agencies with credible intelligence, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as operations continue across the region.
