Tinubu Vows Terror Defeat as Boko Haram Kill Brig. Gen. Braimah, Troops in Borno Attack

Declares insurgents’ counteroffensive a sign of desperation; urges military resilience

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will defeat terrorism, insisting that the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and other soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State will not weaken the nation’s resolve to end insurgency.

The President, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the attack on troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, as tragic but reaffirmed that Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating terrorism remains unshaken.

Tinubu urged the Armed Forces and frontline troops not to be discouraged by the incident, noting that the insurgents’ renewed attacks were a sign of desperation following sustained military pressure.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation,” the President said.

He expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, led by Brigadier General Braimah, and commended their bravery and sacrifice in defending the country.

Tinubu further assured that the Federal Government would continue to provide the military with the necessary equipment and welfare support to enhance operational effectiveness, while urging Nigerians and the media to support the Armed Forces in their fight against insecurity.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our Military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes,” he added.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the attack and appealed for calm, while urging Nigerians and the media to adhere to military tradition in announcing casualties, particularly by allowing formal notification of next of kin before public disclosure.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops of the 29 Brigade came under coordinated attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, at about 12:30am on Thursday, but responded with “exceptional courage and superior firepower.”

He noted that although the attackers were repelled, the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers, describing them as heroes who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.

The DHQ also cautioned against misinformation and unverified reports circulating on social media, stressing that such content could undermine ongoing military operations.

Meanwhile, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has called for a tougher approach against terrorists and bandits, criticising what it described as “soft handling” of criminal elements.

The forum, in a statement signed by leaders of Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and PANDEF, expressed concern over rising insecurity across the country, citing repeated killings and abductions in several communities.

It also faulted recent public remarks by top security officials which it said appeared to promote leniency towards perpetrators of violence, insisting that such positions embolden criminals and undermine justice.

The group demanded a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, stronger accountability, and improved protection for vulnerable communities.

In a related development, a special terrorism court sitting in Abuja has convicted and sentenced 11 defendants linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP activities to prison terms ranging from 40 to 60 years.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the trial, said the convicts were found guilty of offences including membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation and provision of logistics support to insurgents.

The court also ordered rehabilitation and deradicalisation after completion of their sentences, while noting that convictions followed voluntary guilty pleas.

Elsewhere, residents of Omugo community in Kwara State have decried persistent bandit attacks that have forced many to flee their homes, appealing for urgent government intervention and the rescue of abducted worshippers.

Similarly, the Bauchi State Government has ordered the suspension of operations in 24 cattle markets across four local government areas, citing security threats linked to banditry, cattle rustling, and illegal arms supply networks.

The government said the affected markets had become criminal flashpoints and directed security agencies to enforce compliance with the closure.

The developments underscore renewed nationwide concerns over insecurity, even as government and security agencies intensify military operations and counterterrorism efforts across affected regions.