Benesheik Attack: DHQ Confirms Death Of Brig-Gen Braimah,3 Others

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and three other soldiers in the attack on military base at Benesheik in Borno State.

It refuted claims that 17 soldiers were killed in the attack.

Terrorists had on Thursday attacked the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh in Kaga local government area of Borno State.

The Director Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja in a statement yesterday said the troops engaged the terrorists and held their ground.

He, however, regretted that some personnel paid the supreme price including the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah and three other personnel.

“With profound grief and heavy hearts, the Defence Headquarters formally conveys the supreme sacrifice paid by gallant officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at Benisheikh.

“In the course of an intense engagement against terrorist elements, two officers and two soldiers were killed in action, making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Nigeria and its citizens.”

According to him, among those involved in the fierce encounter was Brigadier General Braimah, whose conspicuous bravery, personal leadership under fire and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his troops reflect the highest ideals and traditions of the Nigerian military.

“The AFN mourns deeply with the families, loved ones and colleagues of these fallen heroes. Their courage will forever be etched in the history of the AFN,” he said.

He assured the families of the fallen heroes, that  the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede and the entire AFN stand with them in this moment of deep sorrow.

“Your loved ones were not ordinary citizens, they were extraordinary Nigerians who chose to stand between danger and the rest of the nation,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the loss of these heroes will not diminish but rather fortify the resolve of the Armed Forces.

“Operations across all theatres will continue with even greater determination as a lasting tribute to the memory of those who have fallen,” he said.

A statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Maiduguri by the media information officer Operation Hadin Kai ( OPHK ), Lt Col Sani Uba, said the official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement.

Uba said any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading and devoid of credibility.

He said,” The Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has noted with serious concern the circulation of false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports across some television stations and social media platforms following the recent foiled terrorist attack on troops’ location in Benisheikh.

“These narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence.

“ OPHK categorically refutes the claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during the incident. The official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement.