The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops at the Operation Hadin Kai base in Benisheikh, Borno State, came under a coordinated terrorist attack.
The disclosure was made in a statement by Michael Onoja, Major General and Director of Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, saw soldiers repel the attackers, though some troops lost their lives in the line of duty.
What they are saying
According to the statement, insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the 29 Task Force Brigade headquarters. Troops under Brigadier General Oseni Braimah responded with coordinated counteraction, forcing the attackers to retreat and leaving behind traces of the failed assault.
- “In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) counter terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
- “The attack occurred at approximately 0030hrs (12:30am) on Thursday, 9 April 2026, as insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation,” the statement read in part.
- The Nigerian Army described the attack as an indication of the desperation of terrorist elements, noting that insurgents have suffered significant losses in previous operations.
The statement also highlighted the courage, professionalism, and superior firepower of the troops, underscoring their readiness and operational effectiveness in safeguarding key installations.
The army emphasized that the swift response by soldiers demonstrated their operational readiness and ability to protect critical military sites.
More insights
Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers. The statement urged the public to allow the Armed Forces to notify the next of kin before further details are released and to disregard unverified social media reports.
- Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to track and neutralize fleeing insurgents, preventing regrouping.
- Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while supporting the Armed Forces with credible information.
- The army continues to prioritize safeguarding communities and maintaining operational pressure on insurgent groups.
These measures are aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the region and mitigating the threat posed by terrorist elements, the statement emphasized.
Get up to speed
Borno State has long been a hotspot for terrorist attacks from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed factions. These groups have targeted both civilians and military personnel, causing widespread disruption.
- In January 2026, at least 25 civilians and 11 security personnel were killed in coordinated insurgent attacks across Borno.
- In March 2026, triple IED explosions in Maiduguri resulted in 23 deaths and over 100 injuries, highlighting the capacity of insurgents to stage complex assaults.
- The Nigerian military has recorded several successful counterterrorism operations, including the February 2026 neutralization of Boko Haram’s second-in-command, Abu Khalid, in the Sambisa Forest.
Despite these efforts, the northeast remains vulnerable, with the conflict continuing to destabilize communities and livelihoods.
What you should know
Nigeria faces multiple security challenges beyond the northeast insurgency, including mass kidnappings and banditry in other regions. International attention has increased, with collaborative efforts underway to strengthen security.
- U.S. forces reportedly conducted airstrikes on suspected terrorist targets on December 25 as part of counterterrorism efforts.
- Nigerian authorities are enhancing intelligence sharing and military capacity with global partners.
- Communities in Borno and neighboring states continue to bear the brunt of prolonged insecurity, affecting both lives and economic activity.
While progress has been made in recent operations, the fight against terrorism remains ongoing, requiring sustained military vigilance and community cooperation.
