Fresh details have emerged regarding the deadly midnight assault on an Army base in Benisheik, Borno state, which led to the killing of Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade. The attack, described by surviving soldiers as one of the most coordinated and intense in recent counter-terrorism operations, took place along the strategically important Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

Contrary to the Nigerian Army's insistence that the attacks were successfully foiled with heavy casualties to the insurgents, accounts from soldiers and local residents paint a starkly different picture. These eyewitnesses describe a well-coordinated insurgent offensive that overwhelmed troops, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The assault, launched around 12:30 am on a Thursday, involved suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. They executed simultaneous attacks on multiple military positions within Benisheik, a key town in Kaga Local Government Area, before advancing into civilian areas, including the Ngamdu community.

Survivors, speaking anonymously, highlighted the unprecedented scale and coordination of the terrorists' actions. One soldier noted, "We are used to coordinated attacks, but this was different. They came in large numbers from different directions at the same time. It felt like they had studied our positions for weeks." Another survivor admitted to the insurgents' numerical advantage, stating, "We stood our ground at first, but they were too many. They attacked from different angles. It was like an ambush."

The morale of the troops reportedly plummeted as rumors spread about other locations being overrun and the death of their Brigade Commander. "When we started hearing that our colleagues in other locations had been overrun, it shook us. Then someone shouted that the Brigade Commander was dead. That was when fear fully set in," a soldier recounted. This sudden confusion and psychological impact contributed to a breakdown in coordination among ground troops, even forcing some terrorists to retreat towards the town amidst the fierce gun battle, which lasted over an hour and included multiple explosions.

Regarding Brigadier-General Braimah's death, initial claims suggested he was killed due to a malfunctioning Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. However, these claims were disputed by military sources and individuals close to the late General. A highly placed source within the Brigade clarified, "The insurgents actually set the MRAP on fire during the attack, stating that he died because the vehicle didn’t start is not accurate. The situation was far more complex." An insider further suggested that only those present with the General during the attack could provide a definitive account, noting that many of them also perished. This source corroborated the ambush-like nature of the attack, with insurgents closing in from various angles, their superior numbers being a decisive factor. The late General's exemplary attitude towards operational vehicle maintenance was also noted by a former driver, "Defender."