The Nigerian Army has confirmed the loss of soldiers following a coordinated terrorist attack on a military base in Borno State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when insurgents targeted the Headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh.
According to a statement released in Abuja, the attackers attempted to penetrate the base’s defenses around 12:30 a.m. but were repelled by troops who responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism and superior firepower”.
“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and compelled to abandon their mission, leaving behind traces of their failed assault,” Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said.
The Army noted that troops, led by Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimah, quickly launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat.
Onoja described the assault as a desperate move by insurgents facing mounting pressure from ongoing military operations.
“This attack clearly reflects the desperation of terrorists who continue to embark on futile offensives against well-defended military positions,” he said.
Despite successfully repelling the attack, the Army confirmed that some personnel lost their lives in the line of duty. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, praising their sacrifice and service.
“Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation,” he said.
