By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigerian Army has denied claims that 17 soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, saying only four personnel died in the incident.
The army also refuted allegations that Brigadier General Oseni Braimah died due to an unserviceable vehicle, stating that he was killed while coordinating a counter-assault.
Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, Media Information Officer for the North-East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, described reports of higher casualties as “false, misleading, and exaggerated”. He said the verified casualty figure showed two officers and two soldiers were killed during the attack.
Uba added that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle, a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, was temporarily immobilized during the intense combat, reflecting the intensity of the battle and not equipment failure.
The Nigerian Army urged the public to disregard unverified reports and rely on official channels for accurate information. The army also alleged that pictures and videos being circulated in connection with the attack were unrelated and deliberately misrepresented.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the families of soldiers killed in the attack, including Braimah, confirming that the brigade commander died during the incident.
The attack is part of a rising trend of insurgent assaults targeting military formations in Borno State and the broader North-East region, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the area.
The Nigerian military has recorded several successful counterterrorism operations, including the February 2026 neutralization of Boko Haram’s second-in-command, Abu Khalid, in the Sambisa Forest.
The army’s clarification comes amid concerns over the spread of misinformation and the need for accurate reporting on security issues.
The incident underscores the bravery and sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers in the fight against terrorism, and the need for continued support and cooperation from the public.
