Surviving soldiers have described how Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters overran a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, killing Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah. The midnight attack saw insurgents advance in large numbers, attacking multiple formations simultaneously. One soldier said: "It felt like they had studied our positions for weeks." The military insists only four soldiers died, dismissing claims of 17 casualties. President Tinubu has expressed sorrow and commended troops' bravery.
Key Points:
- The gun battle lasted over one hour and 30 minutes with multiple explosions.
- Confusion and rumours of the commander's death shook troop morale.
- Civilians fled as shops and vehicles were set ablaze.
- The military denied claims that Braimah's vehicle malfunctioned.
- The attack follows a pattern of senior officers killed in the North-East insurgency.
