President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to defeat terrorism, declaring that recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State will not weaken the nation’s resolve.
The President made this known while mourning the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and other soldiers during a coordinated assault on a military base in Benisheikh. He described the incident as tragic but insisted it underscored the desperation of insurgents facing sustained military pressure.
In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the bravery of troops under Operation Hadin Kai, particularly the 29 Task Force Brigade, who resisted the attack and prevented the insurgents from overrunning surrounding communities.
He expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and the Armed Forces, assuring that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. According to him, ongoing land and air offensives have significantly weakened insurgent groups, and recent counterattacks reflect their declining strength.
Tinubu urged troops across all theatres of operation to remain resolute, emphasising that the federal government would continue to provide the necessary equipment and welfare support to enhance their effectiveness.
He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the military and avoid glorifying attacks on security personnel, describing the fallen soldiers as “heroes whose sacrifices are irreplaceable.”
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the attack and appealed for restraint in reporting casualties, stressing the need to respect military protocols, particularly the notification of next of kin before public disclosures.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops responded with “exceptional courage and superior firepower,” repelling the insurgents and forcing them to retreat. He added that follow-up operations were underway to track and eliminate fleeing fighters.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice as a source of national pride and a testament to the Armed Forces’ commitment to securing the country.
Despite these assurances, concerns over Nigeria’s security situation continue to mount. Political leaders, including Senator Ali Ndume, have called for improved military equipment and a more decisive approach to tackling insurgency.
Similarly, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) warned that the growing frequency and brutality of attacks signal a worsening crisis. The group criticised what it described as leniency toward terrorists and called for a tougher, more accountable security strategy.
In a related development, a special terrorism court in Abuja convicted several suspects linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, sentencing them to lengthy prison terms after they pleaded guilty to various charges, including providing logistical support to terrorist groups.
As military operations intensify and legal actions continue, authorities maintain that Nigeria remains firmly on course to defeat insurgency and restore lasting peace, even as the nation grapples with the human and security costs of the prolonged conflict.
