The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has called on the public and the media to respect established military tradition by allowing formal notification of next of kin before the release of casualty details, even as troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the attempted assault occurred at about 0030hrs (12:30am) on Thursday, 9 April 2026, when insurgents launched an attack on the Brigade Headquarters in a bid to breach the defensive perimeter of the military formation.
He disclosed that troops, under the leadership of the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and overwhelming firepower, decisively engaging the terrorists and forcing them to retreat in disarray.
The military said the failed attack reflects the desperation of terrorist elements who, after suffering significant setbacks in recent operations, have resorted to what it described as “futile and ill-fated offensives” against fortified military positions.
Despite the successful repulsion of the attack, the AFN confirmed that the encounter resulted in the loss of a few gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen troops, describing their sacrifice as heroic and their courage as a lasting source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces and the nation at large.
In line with military tradition, the Armed Forces urged the public and media to refrain from spreading casualty figures or unverified details until families of the fallen have been formally informed.
The military also cautioned against misinformation, sensational reporting, and unverified content circulating on social media, warning that such narratives could undermine ongoing operations and threaten national security.
Meanwhile, the AFN said clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track down fleeing insurgents, neutralize remaining threats, and prevent any regrouping by terrorist elements.
The High Command reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, to sustaining pressure on insurgents and restoring lasting peace across the North-East.
Citizens were encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while continuing to support security forces with timely and credible information that can aid ongoing operations.
Further updates, the military said, will be provided as necessary.
