Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday held a burial ceremony for Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other soldiers who lost their lives in a recent insurgent attack in Borno State.

The funeral took place at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, where the fallen personnel received full military honours in recognition of their service to the nation.

The officers were killed on April 9 after suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters launched coordinated assaults on military positions in Benisheikh. The town lies in Kaga Local Government Area along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, a key route in the North-East.

The Army, in a statement on its official Facebook page, described the ceremony as one marked by deep emotion and national reflection.

The statement read:

“In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, laid to rest late Brigadier General Omo Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

“The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour, and reflection,” the statement read.

The military further explained that the ceremony reflected the respect given to personnel who died in active service. It noted that the honours accorded the deceased represented recognition of their commitment to national security.

The statement added:

“Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity, and security of Nigeria,” it said.

Dignitaries present at the burial included Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and several senior military officers. They described the deceased soldiers as patriots who showed courage in defence of the country.

Religious rites were observed for the repose of the souls of the fallen officers and soldiers. Military officials also read out citations highlighting their service records before their families and colleagues.

The Army stated that the grief expressed by families reflected the human toll of ongoing security operations in the North-East. It added that the bravery of the deceased would remain a source of honour within the Armed Forces.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has intensified its onslaught against banditry, recording major breakthroughs in clearance operations across Bauchi State, with troops overrunning key terrorist camps, capturing families of fleeing criminals, and destroying vital logistics in the Dajin Madam Forest.

In a statement issued today, the Army confirmed that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, working in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted a fierce clearance operation deep inside the forest. The operation led to the destruction of several bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps.

During the offensive, troops neutralized an unspecified number of bandits, while many others fled under heavy military pressure. In a significant development, security forces took into custody six women and thirteen children, family members of the bandits. Several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were destroyed, severely limiting their ability to launch further attacks.

A cache of items recovered from the camps includes one AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a pair of police uniform, multiple military uniforms, and two horses, items the Army said were indicative of the group’s criminal enterprise and attempts at impersonation.

“Troops are currently maintaining a firm hold position within the Dajin Madam Forest to consolidate the gains achieved and prevent any re-infiltration by fleeing bandits,” the statement read.

In a related follow-up clearance operation to Mainamaji, conducted after recent air strikes on bandit hideouts, troops made no contact with the enemy—a further indication that sustained military pressure has significantly degraded bandit presence and movement in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive until lasting peace and security are restored. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s military has suffered another devastating loss after a senior army officer was killed in a coordinated attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commander of the 242 Battalion, died when his convoy was ambushed by fighters in the Moguno area, near the town of Boron. According to military sources, the troops were reinforcing a military camp under attack when their formation was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy gunfire from insurgents hidden along the route.

Several other soldiers also lost their lives in the attack. Casualty figures have not been officially released, but a military source confirmed that the death toll includes the commanding officer and other ranks.

Colonel Mohammed’s death marks the fifth loss of a top-ranking military officer in Nigeria in 2026 alone — all within the first four months of the year. The repeated targeting of senior commanders has raised urgent questions about operational security and the resilience of the military’s command structure in the northeast counterinsurgency campaign.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement, but an internal security briefing described the incident as a “well-planned ambush with high-grade explosives.”

The insurgency in Borno, which has persisted for over a decade, continues to exact a heavy toll on both combatants and civilians, despite repeated government claims that Boko Haram has been largely defeated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, widely known as Soja Boi, has raised concerns over the absence of children of political leaders in the Nigerian Army, saying their involvement could lead to meaningful changes in the system.

Olamilekan made the remarks in a viral video while reacting to reports about ongoing recruitment into the armed forces. He described the recruitment exercise as positive but expressed doubts about its fairness and transparency.

“I’m seeing some news online that the military is recruiting new people, and it’s very good,” he said. “But I’m still asking: why are politicians’ children not joining them?”

He also questioned why public office holders, including ministers, lawmakers and local government officials, do not allow their children to enlist in the military.

The former lance corporal argued that the absence of children of the elite contributes to persistent challenges within the armed forces.

“If politicians send their children to join the army, many things will change in this country,” he added. “Suffering will reduce, and a lot will improve inside the military.”

Olamilekan has made similar remarks in the past. He linked his concerns to personal experiences during service and the losses recorded in counter-insurgency operations.

“The way I keep losing my colleagues brings tears to my eyes every day,” he had said in a previous video.

He also pointed to welfare issues within the military. He earlier challenged the Nigerian Army to make its payroll public. He shared bank transaction alerts, which he claimed showed modest earnings by soldiers.

Olamilekan was recently dismissed from service over alleged indiscipline and violation of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. The Nigerian Army had earlier dismissed his claims as false and misleading, but he maintained that his statements were accurate.

“I am not trying to spoil the Nigerian Army’s image or make people look at them as if they are not good. But I am just speaking the facts and I will be backing them with evidence,” he said.

He insisted that real reforms in the military would be easier to achieve if political leaders had direct personal stakes, especially through the participation of their children in military service.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of Thursday, but were repelled by military troops, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The assault began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on 9 April 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation, according to a statement from the DHQ.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, led by Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with superior firepower and forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“A few brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price” during the encounter, the military said, without disclosing the exact number of casualties.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honoured the fallen soldiers, describing their courage as “a source of pride and inspiration” to the armed forces and the nation.

The military described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements who have suffered significant losses in recent operations.

Clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the area to track fleeing insurgents, the DHQ added.

The public was urged to disregard misinformation and unverified content on social media, and to allow the military to formally notify the families of the deceased before further details are released.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has apprehended five individuals linked to the unlawful discharge of firearms at a social gathering, which resulted in the death of a teenage girl.

Reports show that a stray bullet, allegedly fired by members of a vigilante group, claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl last Saturday inside her family home at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters.

In a statement released Monday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, together with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested the five suspects in the Ngomari general area.

“The incident occurred at about 2:00pm on April 4, when vigilantes, later identified as members of an escorts team attached to the Chairman of a Local Government Area engaged in sporadic firing into the air during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

“The reckless act led to the death of a young girl. The troops acted swiftly, traced and apprehended five suspects identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).”

Lt. Col. Uba added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Military forces have dealt a fresh blow to insurgent groups operating in central Nigeria, neutralizing two suspected terrorists and arresting a kidnapper during back-to-back clearance operations in Plateau State.

The raids, conducted by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, targeted known insurgent corridors in Wase Local Government Area on April 4, 2026. Local vigilantes joined the coordinated mission across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the dense Dutsen Zaki forest.

A fierce firefight erupted along the Babangida–Adua road, where troops engaged armed terrorists. Two suspects were killed on the spot, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, according to military sources. A subsequent search recovered one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.

In a separate operation early Sunday, troops in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area intercepted four suspected armed individuals based on credible intelligence. A search revealed 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in their possession.

When troops moved to dismantle the suspects’ hideout, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. In the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were struck down by their own accomplices’ gunfire.

Meanwhile, in Shendam Local Government Area at about 9:35 a.m., troops working with local residents arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on April 3.

All suspects are now in custody facing further investigation and potential legal action. The military has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as clearance operations continue.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 14-year-old secondary school student has lost her life after a stray bullet struck her in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The incident took place on Saturday, April 4, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) staff quarters, where the girl lived with her family. She was said to be inside the house when the bullet hit her.

Amnesty International alleged that the bullet was discharged by military personnel who were firing shots in celebration at a nearby wedding.

However, a social media account known for sharing updates on military activities presented a different account. It linked the shooting to members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a local vigilante group.

“CJTF, not military personnel, were allegedly responsible for the stray bullet that killed a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri’s Costain area, according to Operation Hadin Kai.”

“The Theatre Command said preliminary findings showed some CJTF members were firing weapons during a social event in a nearby compound when the incident occurred.

“The act was described as unauthorised and unprofessional, with authorities launching an investigation to identify those responsible and prevent future occurrences. Operation Hadin Kai also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information,” the post read.

A family acquaintance described the girl’s final moments as cheerful, as she had been preparing for a wedding ceremony scheduled for that day.

“She lived in the UMTH quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred. She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day,” the source said.

The remains of the teenager were laid to rest on Sunday at a cemetery in Maiduguri. Family members and sympathisers have called for accountability. They described the incident as avoidable.

Amnesty International has also condemned the killing. The organisation urged authorities to carry out a thorough probe.

In its statement, Amnesty International called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

The tragedy has again drawn attention to the risks linked to celebratory gunfire, especially in civilian areas within conflict-affected regions such as Borno State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully prevented multiple terrorist attacks and disrupted insurgents’ logistics networks across the North East between 28 and 30 March 2026.

This is contained in a Facebook statement signed by
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) on 30 March 2026.

According to the statement, the soldiers stationed at Damboa stopped a planned Boko Haram/ISWAP attack after monitoring suspicious movements through surveillance systems.

The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to retreat in disarray. Follow-up operations confirmed that the attackers had withdrawn. Similarly, troops repelled assaults on farmers and communities in Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State, pushing insurgents toward the Mandara Mountains and nearby areas.

The troops also discovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis. “Recovered materials, including rail tracks used to canalise vehicles into a killing zone, highlight ongoing terrorist efforts to disrupt movement along critical routes,” the statement noted.

In operations targeting terrorist supply chains, two suspected Boko Haram collaborators were arrested in Molai while acting suspiciously in a defensive area.

In Maiduguri, troops intercepted vehicles carrying large quantities of suspected terrorist logistics along the Maiduguri–Mafa road. The items, concealed in sacks and equivalent to two truckloads, included medical drugs, motorcycle tubes and tyres, mosquito nets, rolls of mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the supplies were being transported without clearance toward Kusuri, a border community near Chad. The vehicles, drivers, and goods were handed over for further investigation.

Additionally, OPHK troops, working with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives, arrested Mohammed Adamu (26) at Muna Garage. “Items recovered from him include 25 litres of engine oil concealed in sacks, the sum of N624,900, a mobile phone, power bank, national identity card, and ATM cards. Preliminary findings indicate he had been supplying logistics, including motorcycle parts, to terrorists over an extended period,” the release said.

In Gubio, troops, intelligence operatives, and CJTF conducted targeted operations that resulted in the arrest of 13 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators. Two additional suspects confessed to long-term involvement in supplying materials to insurgents.

Troops also apprehended Abubakar Ali, alias “Saina,” a suspected member of JAS/ISWAP, at Kilo Papa checkpoint while en route to Maiduguri. Interrogation suggested he was conducting a reconnaissance mission. He has been handed over to authorities for detailed investigation.

In other operations, a suspected kidnapper was arrested in Azir, Damboa Local Government Area. Clearance and cordon-and-search missions in Wulgo Junction, Gamboru Motor Park, and surrounding areas led to the recovery of 450 wraps of suspected marijuana and other illicit substances, while suspected drug peddlers fled on sighting troops.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their “resilience, vigilance, and professional conduct,” urging them to maintain the operational pace to deny terrorists freedom of action, which is critical for security and economic stability in the North East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops under the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have eliminated 38 ISWAP fighters during a military operation in Borno State.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba. He said the incident occurred on Saturday morning.

According to the statement, the insurgents launched an attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, located in Sector 2 of the state. However, the troops resisted the assault and gained the upper hand.

The military explained that its personnel responded with coordinated ambushes and a combined offensive and defensive strategy. This forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

Air support also played a role in the operation. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close assistance, which improved the precision of strikes against the fleeing insurgents.

“Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further heavy losses.

“A total of about 38 terrorists were neutralized with 8 bodies recovered so far within the immediate engagement area and human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional terrorists’ bodies and weapons strewn along Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle.

“This was evidenced by blood trails and abandoned equipment. Troops also recovered 7 AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, 4 RPG bombs and assorted ammunition, while recording no fatalities; one MRAP was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilized.

“The scale of enemy losses has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities and highlights the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action,” the statement added.

The military noted that the operation has boosted morale among residents in the affected communities, as troops continue efforts to restrict the activities of insurgents in the region.