Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants have killed Brig.-Gen. O.O. Braimah, a Brigade Commander of the Joint Task Force in Benesheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, during a coordinated midnight assault, security sources report.
Security analyst Brant Philip confirmed the attack, noting that large fires were seen inside the military camp and that Braimah’s death marked the highest-ranking officer lost to insurgents in Borno since Brig.-Gen. Uba’s ambush in late 2025.
Local sources revealed that civilians, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), security operatives, and several insurgents were also killed in attacks targeting Benesheikh town and Pulka community in Gwoza Local Government Area.
A resident of Benesheikh, Malam Lawal Benesheikh, confirmed the loss on social media, writing: “Innalillahi wa Inna’illaihin raji’un. Boko Haram has again, unfortunately, succeeded in eliminating the commanding officer of Benisheikh. This unfortunate incident occurred yesterday night when the insurgents stormed the military formation in large numbers. May the souls of the fallen heroes rest in peace.”
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where insurgent attacks continue to threaten both military personnel and civilians. Authorities are reviewing security measures in the affected areas and investigating the full scale of casualties.
