Terrorists have killed a senior Nigerian Army officer, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, during a deadly assault on a military base in northeastern Borno State.
The attack, which occurred overnight in Benisheikh, about 75 kilometres from Maiduguri, also left at least 18 soldiers dead, according to local and intelligence sources. The assailants reportedly overran the military formation, setting fire to vehicles and operational infrastructure before withdrawing.
Confirming the incident, Kaga Local Government Chairman, Zannah Lawan Ajimi, disclosed that the brigade commander, Braimah, was among those killed. Intelligence sources described the assault as coordinated and devastating.
The latest killing comes barely five months after another high-ranking officer, Brigadier -General Musa Uba, was slain by insurgents, underlining growing concerns over the vulnerability of military leadership in the conflict zone.
Nigeria has battled a violent insurgency for over a decade and a half, triggered by the 2009 uprising of Boko Haram. The conflict has since evolved, with splinter factions such as the Islamic State West Africa Province emerging as dominant threats in the region.
Security analysts have warned of a resurgence in terrorist activities since 2025, citing increased attacks on military installations and civilian populations. Recent incidents, including suicide bombings in Maiduguri, signal a return to tactics reminiscent of the insurgency’s peak years.
