DHQ confirms terrorist attack on troops in Borno

By Amos W. Peter

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a terrorist attack on their base in Benisheikh, Borno State.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Thursday, the DHQ said the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters at about 12:30 a.m., attempting to breach the facility’s defensive perimeter.

The statement noted that troops, led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.

“The insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to withdraw in disarray, abandoning their mission,” the DHQ said.

The military described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements following sustained losses in recent operations, adding that troops have maintained a high level of combat readiness and operational effectiveness across the North-East.

However, the DHQ confirmed that the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their bravery and paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing their sacrifice as a source of national pride.

The military also urged the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information and to allow due process in notifying the next of kin of the deceased.

It added that clearance operations are ongoing in the area to track down fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.

The Armed Forces reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against terrorism and called on citizens to support security agencies with credible information.

Further updates, the DHQ said, will be provided as necessary.