Tinubu Vows To Crush Terrorism After Boko Haram Kills General And Soldiers In Borno, Says Insurgents Show Desperation

Tinubu Vows To Crush Terrorism After Boko Haram Kills General And Soldiers In Borno, Says Insurgents Show Desperation

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday vowed that Nigeria would defeat terrorism, declaring that the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and others by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State on Thursday would not weaken the country’s resolve to end the prolonged insurgency.

The President, therefore, urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged by the severity of their challenges in the war theatre, stressing that the nation remains appreciative of their sacrifices.

Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the loss of the brave soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, who died in a coordinated terrorists’ attack on their camp in Benisheikh part of Borno State.

In a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed the attack and the tragic loss of lives, which occurred early Thursday, April 9, 2026.

In the government release, Tinubu praised the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect.

While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, the president urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today (yesterday) in Borno State.

“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.”

Besides, the President enjoined media houses and indeed all Nigerians to desist from ‘celebrating’ or condoning the attacks on troops, describing the soldiers as heroes.

“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism.

“The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our Military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The federal government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace,” he added.

DHQ Urges Nigerians to Respect Military Tradition

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has urged Nigerians and the media to respect established military tradition in the announcement of fallen officers, following reports of casualties from a fresh terrorist attack in Borno State.

This latest attack came barely five months after the killing of a commanding officer under Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was also killed in an ambush by ISWAP terrorists.

Reacting to the development, DHQ emphasised the importance of due process in communicating such losses, particularly the need to notify families before public disclosure.

Confirming the attack and the casualties, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja,in a statement, expressed regret that the encounter resulted in the loss of a ‘few’ brave and gallant soldiers, who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, honoured their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation, noting that their courage would remain a lasting source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country at large.

The high command also extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.

“’In line with established military tradition and respect for the fallen, the general public and media are kindly requested to allow the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before the release of further details.

“The public is also urged to disregard misinformation, sensational reports, and unverified content circulating across social media platforms, as these undermine ongoing operations and national security efforts,” l Onoja said.

Providing further details on the incident, Onoja explained that troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai came under a coordinated terrorist attack at their Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh.

According to him, the attack occurred at approximately 0030hrs (12:30am) on Thursday, 9 April 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.

“However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower. 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,” he said.

Onoja also described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorists who, after suffering significant losses in recent operations, had continued to launch futile offensives against “well-defended military positions”.

“The swift and decisive response by troops underscores the high level of combat readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai in safeguarding critical locations and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East theatre.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency. Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents, as well as to deny them any opportunity to regroup,” he said.