Abuja, 10 April 2026 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah and other Nigerian soldiers killed in a terrorist counterattack in Borno State, describing the incident as a desperate response to sustained military offensives.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) early on Friday, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said Nigerian troops had been conducting intense land and air operations against insurgents, neutralising many fighters and commanders. He acknowledged the loss of the senior officer and his men during the defence of the country.
“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many terrorist fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation,” President Tinubu wrote.
The attack occurred on Thursday, 9 April 2026, targeting a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, involving the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai. Brigadier-General Braimah was among those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Extending his condolences, Mr Tinubu said: “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 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.”
The President urged the Military High Command and troops in all theatres of operation not to lose heart. “Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism,” he said, adding that the government would continue to provide the necessary equipment and ensure the welfare of all personnel.
He also appealed to Nigerians and the media to support the Armed Forces in their fight against insurgency and banditry, and to refrain from celebrating or condoning attacks on troops. “These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable,” he stressed.
In a further message of solidarity, Mr Tinubu extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, reaffirming that the Federal Government would work closely with the state authorities to achieve “total victory and lasting peace”.
The statement comes amid ongoing security operations in Nigeria’s northeast, where the military continues to combat Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents.
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