Troops from Operation Hadin Kai repelled a midnight assault by armed insurgents on their brigade headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, but suffered casualties in the fierce clash, the Defence Headquarters said Thursday.
The coordinated attack hit the 29 Task Force Brigade’s base as militants tried to breach the perimeter, according to a statement from Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations.
The statement added that under Brigadier General Oseni Braimah’s command, soldiers responded with “exceptional courage” and superior firepower, forcing the insurgents into a chaotic retreat and thwarting the incursion.
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The failed offensive highlights the terrorists’ growing desperation after recent heavy losses, the statement noted, praising the troops’ readiness in Nigeria’s volatile northeast.
“This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements,” it said.
Regrettably, a few soldiers died in the exchange, paying the “supreme price” in defense of the nation.
The statement also said that Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede hailed their heroism, offering condolences to families and urging the public to await formal notifications before details emerge.
Social media rumors should be ignored to protect operations, the statement warned.
Clearance operations continue to hunt down fleeing fighters and prevent regrouping. The armed forces, working with other agencies, reaffirmed their resolve to crush the insurgency and restore peace.
The public is asked to provide tips and stay vigilant, Onoja said.
