President Tinubu mourns slain troops after deadly military attack in Borno, pledges support for armed forces and renewed efforts to defeat insurgency nationwide.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed deep sadness over the loss of personnel from the 29 Task Force Brigade of Operation HADIN KAI, who were killed when terrorists launched an attack on their base in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has once again drawn national attention to the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East region.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the fallen soldiers as brave patriots whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.
He emphasized that their commitment to defending the nation remains a source of pride and inspiration, even in the face of tragedy.
According to confirmations from the Defence Headquarters, the military attack took place at dawn on April 9, 2026, when insurgents launched a coordinated assault on the brigade’s base.
The confrontation led to multiple casualties, although the exact number of fatalities has not been publicly disclosed.
Security sources indicate that the troops mounted resistance, preventing the attackers from completely overwhelming the facility.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the leadership of the Armed Forces, the families of the deceased soldiers, and the government and people of Borno State.
He urged them to remain strong and united, noting that the loss, though painful, should reinforce the nation’s determination to defeat terrorism.
The President also paid tribute to the courage displayed by the troops during the military attack, stating that their actions helped protect nearby communities from falling into the hands of insurgents.
He noted that the soldiers fought with determination despite the intensity of the assault, underscoring their dedication to duty.
Providing further context, Tinubu revealed that Nigerian forces have recently intensified both land and air offensives against insurgent groups in the region.
These operations, he said, have led to the neutralisation of several fighters and key commanders, significantly weakening their operational capacity.
He described the latest military attack as a reaction driven by desperation from insurgents facing sustained pressure.
The President specifically sympathised with families of the fallen troops, particularly those serving under Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah.
He assured them that the nation recognises their sacrifice and remains committed to supporting those left behind.
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“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” Tinubu stated, reiterating that the bravery of Nigeria’s troops continues to strengthen national resolve against insurgency and violent extremism.
He stressed that every life lost in the line of duty reinforces the urgency of restoring lasting peace.
In addition to mourning the victims, the President used the opportunity to encourage members of the Armed Forces not to lose morale.
He acknowledged that the military attack represents a difficult moment but insisted that it should not deter ongoing operations.
Instead, he urged troops across all theatres to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their responsibilities.
Tinubu further assured the military of continued government backing, including improved welfare packages and enhanced operational equipment.
He noted that the administration remains determined to provide all necessary resources to ensure that security forces can effectively carry out their mandate.
“I urge our troops not to be discouraged. Continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism,” he said, adding that the government would stand firmly behind those risking their lives to safeguard the country.
The President also addressed the role of citizens and the media, calling for responsible reporting and public discourse.
He cautioned against narratives that could undermine the morale of security personnel, stressing that unity is essential in the fight against insurgency.
According to him, celebrating or trivialising such incidents only emboldens enemies of the state.
As part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity, Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the Borno State Government.
He noted that collaboration between federal and state authorities remains critical to achieving long-term stability in the region.
Security analysts say the latest military attack highlights the evolving tactics of insurgent groups, who continue to exploit vulnerabilities despite increased military pressure.
However, they also point out that sustained operations by Nigerian forces have significantly degraded the capacity of these groups over time.
For residents of Borno State, the incident serves as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made daily by security personnel.
Community leaders have also echoed calls for unity and support for the Armed Forces, noting that civilian cooperation remains vital in counter-insurgency efforts.
While the road to peace remains challenging, the government insists that progress is being made.
Tinubu’s response signals a continued commitment to confronting insecurity head-on, while honouring the sacrifices of those on the frontline.
As the nation mourns, attention now turns to ongoing military operations and the strategies needed to prevent future incidents.
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