The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has officially confirmed a midnight terror attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, by elements identified as Boko Haram insurgents or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The attack, which occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters. Defence spokesperson Major General Michael Onoja disclosed this in a statement, noting the assault aimed to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.

The insurgents, described as storming the base in large numbers, were met with an immediate and decisive response from troops of Operation Hadin Kai. Led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, the soldiers engaged the attackers with "exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower." This coordinated counteroffensive forced the insurgents to retreat "in disarray," abandoning their mission and suffering casualties.

Regrettably, the fierce encounter resulted in the loss of several brave soldiers. Among the fallen was Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, whose death was confirmed by local sources, including a social media post by Mallam Lawa Benesheikh and the Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area, Hon. Zanna Ajimi. General Onoja acknowledged that some soldiers lost their lives, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen personnel, commending their sacrifice and service to the nation, and extending condolences to their families. President Bola Tinubu also expressed deep sadness over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to the military and the bereaved families, while reaffirming the government's resolve to defeat terrorism.

The military characterized the incident as a clear indication of the "desperation" of terrorist groups following significant losses inflicted by ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-east. The swift and effective response by the troops demonstrated a high level of combat readiness and operational effectiveness in defending critical military infrastructure. Defence Headquarters did not comment on reported attacks on other military formations in Pulka and Monguno, focusing specifically on the Benisheikh incident.

Clearance and exploitation operations are actively ongoing in the general area to track and neutralize fleeing insurgents and prevent any attempts to regroup. The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, reiterated its unwavering commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and restoring lasting peace in the region. The public was urged to disregard unverified reports and misinformation circulating on social media, as such content could undermine ongoing operations. President Tinubu also called on Nigerians and the media to support the military, stating that soldiers are "our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable."

Benisheikh, situated along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, continues to serve as a strategic military and logistical hub in the counterinsurgency campaign within Borno State, underscoring the importance of defending such installations against persistent terrorist threats.