Benisheikh Attack: Military contradicts initial reports amidst National mourning

A recent terrorist attack in Borno State has plunged Nigeria into mourning, following the loss of military personnel, including a Brigadier General, Oseni Omoh Braimah.

However, conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties and details of the incident have emerged, prompting the military to issue a clarification.

Initial reports, widely circulated by prominent political figures, indicated a significantly higher death toll.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, in a statement on X, expressed pain over the “horrific attacks, which claimed the lives of the Brigadier General and “17 of our gallant soldiers in Benisheikh, Ngamdu, and Pulka.”

He lauded General Braimah as a “quintessential soldier-scholar” and highlighted the recurring pattern of senior commanding officers being targeted, suggesting insurgents are becoming “more audacious in their attempts to decapitate our military’s command-and-control.structure.”

Similarly, former 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, reflecting on the incident, emphasized the need to “reflect more deeply on the value we place on the lives of all citizens, including those who stand in defence of our nation.”
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also conveyed his condolences, honoring the “supreme sacrifice” of the Brigadier- General and other fallen soldiers.

President Bola Tinubu, in a Statehouse Press Release, expressed deep sadness over the loss, praising the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists.

He urged the military not to be discouraged, stating, “The government will.always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.”

The President also called on Nigerians and the media to support the military and desist from “celebrating or condoning
the attacks against our troops.”
However, Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has debunked these initial claims, labeling as “false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports.”

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the OPHK spokesman, categorically refuted the claim of 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, losing their lives.

The official and verified report states that “2 officers and 2 soldiers paid supreme price in the course of the engagement.”

The Army also clarified that the insinuation of the Brigade Commander’s vehicle being unserviceable was incorrect. The Commander was in a “high-grade Mine-Resistant.