Troops Repel Fresh Terror Attack as Army Buries General, Soldiers Killed in Borno Assault

Military honours fallen heroes amid renewed insurgent attacks and rising national security concerns.

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By Bukar Goni | Maidugurt, Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has buried Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and other soldiers killed in recent insurgent attacks in Borno State, as troops continue to confront renewed offensives in the North-East.

The development comes amid escalating violence, with fresh attacks reported and growing calls for a more aggressive national security strategy.

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday conducted a solemn burial ceremony for Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other personnel নিহত in coordinated insurgent attacks on April 9.

The attacks, attributed to suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, targeted multiple military formations in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, along the strategic Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.

The fallen officers were laid to rest at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri with full military honours.

In a statement, the Army described the deceased as “gallant soldiers” who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, noting that their sacrifice reflects the ongoing cost of maintaining national security.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and other senior military officials.

Scene from the burial of the deceased soldiers. Credit. Army

Fresh Attacks Repelled, Casualties Recorded

Despite the losses, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion repelled another террорист attack in Askira Uba Local Government Area on Wednesday.

Military sources confirmed that four soldiers were killed during the encounter, which lasted nearly an hour, as insurgents reportedly deployed superior firepower.

“They were taken unawares, but the troops stood their ground,” a source said.

In a related development, troops reportedly set ablaze structures in the Charlie 2 community in Monguno, accusing residents of aiding insurgents in earlier attacks that killed a commanding officer and other soldiers.

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The operation was later halted following intervention by higher military authorities, with plans for dialogue involving local government officials and community leaders.

Security Pressure Extends Beyond North-East

In Benue State, police authorities have launched clearance operations to tackle criminal elements and restore order in affected communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said tactical teams have been deployed to conduct targeted operations, warning against cattle rustling and collaboration with armed groups.

He assured residents of sustained efforts to secure lives and property.

Northern Leaders Demand ‘Wartime Approach’

Amid rising insecurity, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, have called for a drastic shift in Nigeria’s security strategy.

In a communiqué issued after its Board of Trustees meeting in Abuja, the ACF described the situation as a “state of war” and an existential threat to national survival.

The forum identified insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes as key drivers of instability, warning that the crisis has led to mass casualties, displacement, and economic disruption.

It urged the Federal Government to reorder national priorities, scale down non-essential spending, and channel resources toward security.

“Without peace and stability, economic growth will remain elusive,” the forum stated.

The group also warned individuals and communities against aiding criminal elements, describing such actions as illegal and self-destructive.ilitary Honours Fallen Officers in Maiduguri

The resurgence of coordinated insurgent attacks highlights persistent vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s security architecture. Continued losses among military personnel, combined with rising civilian risks and economic disruption, underscore the urgency of a more decisive and coordinated national response.