By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, in a fierce overnight confrontation that underscored the military’s continuing pressure on insurgent groups in Nigeria’s North-East.
The development was disclosed in an official statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said the attempted assault occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Thursday when insurgents tried to breach the defensive perimeter of the military formation.
According to the statement, the attackers were met with a swift and coordinated response by troops of the brigade under the leadership of the Commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, who directed an immediate counteraction against the advancing terrorists.
The troops, he said, demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and superior firepower during the engagement, decisively confronting the insurgents and forcing them to retreat in disarray.
“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,” Onoja stated.
He noted that the attempted attack reflected what the military described as the growing desperation of terrorist elements who, after suffering significant setbacks from ongoing military operations, continue to launch what he termed futile offensives against well-defended military positions.
The statement emphasized that the rapid response by the troops highlighted the high level of combat readiness, resilience and operational effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai in protecting key installations and sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating across the North-East theatre.
However, the encounter also resulted in casualties among the troops, with the military confirming that a number of soldiers paid the supreme price during the confrontation.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, honouring their heroism and sacrifice in defence of the nation.
According to the statement, the defence chief described their courage and commitment as a lasting source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire country, while extending the High Command’s condolences to their families and loved ones.
The military also appealed to the public and the media to respect established military tradition by allowing the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before additional details concerning the casualties are made public.
It further urged citizens to disregard misinformation, sensational reports and unverified content circulating on social media, warning that such information could undermine ongoing operations and national security efforts.
The Armed Forces reiterated that it remains resolute in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, noting that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, are continuing clearance and exploitation operations in the general area to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
Commending the troops for their bravery and discipline, General Oluyede reaffirmed the military’s determination to restore lasting peace to the North-East and across Nigeria, describing the commitment and sacrifices of personnel operating in the challenging theatre as vital to the country’s stability and sovereignty.
The military also called on members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist troops in tracking and neutralising insurgent elements.
Citizens were further urged to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding as security forces maintain operational momentum in the region.
The Defence Headquarters added that further updates on the situation would be provided as necessary.
