Brigade commander killed in fresh Boko Haram attack in northeast Nigeria

Kabir Adeniyi

A brigade commander of Nigeria’s Joint Task Force was reportedly killed following coordinated attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in northeastern Nigeria, according to local reports.

The officer, identified as Brig. Gen. O. O. Braimah, was said to have been killed during a midnight assault on a military formation in Benisheikh, Borno State.

Local sources said the attackers launched a series of coordinated strikes late Wednesday, first targeting communities in Pulka and Bakin Ruwa around 10:30 p.m., before advancing toward Benisheikh and nearby Ngamdu in the early hours of Thursday.

Residents said the insurgents overran military positions, set vehicles and equipment ablaze, and engaged troops in a prolonged gun battle.

“The insurgents stormed the military formation in large numbers, leading to heavy exchanges of fire. Sadly, the brigade commander and several security personnel paid the supreme price,” a local source told Anadolu.

Civilians, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and several insurgents were also reportedly killed. While there are no official figures, military sources said more than 10 soldiers, including Braimah, were killed in the attack.

A resident of Benisheikh, Malam Lawal, confirmed the incident in a social media post, describing the attack as devastating and offering prayers for the deceased. Security analyst Brant Philip described the death of the senior officer as one of the most significant losses for Nigerian forces in recent months.

Braimah is the highest-ranking officer killed since an ambush that took the life of Brig. Gen. Uba in late 2025 in Borno State.

Reacting to the incident, the military said in a statement on Thursday that troops responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.

While confirming casualties among troops, the Defence Headquarters did not comment on the reported death of the brigade commander.

“Regrettably, 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 honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement said.