By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has revealed the killing of scores of terrorists and military personnel in an attack launched by terrorists on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
Major General Michael Onoja who is the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in a statement made available to Journalists in Abuja.
Major General Onoja, said the attack happened at about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, when the terrorists attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.
Newstracktoday while quoting Sun Newspapers report, said Gen. Onoja, however, did not state whether or not the Commander of the 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, was among those killed in the attack.
Onoja said the attack is a sign of desperation by insurgents who had suffered significant losses in recent military operations.
Onoja in the statement said troops of Operation HADIN KAI, led by the brigade commander, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower”, forcing the attackers to retreat.
His words, “In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
“However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.
“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission.
“This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions,” the statement added.
The military acknowledged that the encounter resulted in casualties among troops.
“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 noted.
It added that the High Command had extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, especially on social media.
The Defence Headquarters also disclosed that clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency. Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents.”
