Edo State House of Assembly speaker, Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku has confirmed the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, the commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation Hadin Kai when the Brigadier General and his troops came under the coordinated multiple attacks launched by the Islamic State of West Africa Province, Iswap at Benisheikh community in Kaga local government area of Borno state early morning night on Thursday, an attack, the Nigeria Defence Headquarters had on Thursday denied the Brigadier General was ever killed alongside his soldiers, insisting, the General was alive until Friday morning, the Edo State House of Assembly Speaker who is also one of the prominent kinsmen of the high ranking soldier announced the death of the Brigadier General on behalf of the people of Owan ethnic group in Edo state, this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who probably tried to avoid contradicting the statement of denial issued by the Nigeria Defence Headquarters, mourned the deaths and killing of the country soldiers, by thus; simply and apparently logically stating that; “I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State”.

According to the condolence message made available by the Special Adviser on Media to the Edo State House of Assembly Speaker and a prominent broadcaster in the State owned Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, Ivy Adodo Ebojele, the Edo State House of Asembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku said; “on behalf of the entire Assembly and the good people of Owan Nation, mourns the painful loss of our gallant son, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, who paid the ultimate price in service to our dear nation, Nigeria.

His bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of our country will never be forgotten. He stood as a shield for the nation and a symbol of courage for generations to come. This tragic loss is not only a blow to the Nigerian Army but a deep wound to Owan land, Edo State, and the nation at large. We are proud of his service, even in grief.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all who mourn this hero. May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and give us all the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Rest on, Brave Son of Owan.Your sacrifice will forever speak”.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a condolence message issued through the office of the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said; “expressed deep sadness over the loss of the brave soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HaDIN KaI, who died in a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State.

The President also expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the attack and the tragic loss of lives, which occurred early Thursday, April 9, 2026.

President Tinubu praised the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect. While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.

“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our Military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The Federal Government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace”.

We had on Thursday reported that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN has insisted that Brigadier General Oseni Braimah is alive, after several reports indicated that the Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation Hadin Kai was left dead alongside several other Nigerian soldiers when the Islamic State of West Africa Province, Iswap launched a coordinated multiple attacks on military bases at Pulka, Bakin Ruwa communities in Gwoza local government area and Ngamdu and Benisheikh communities in the Kaga local government area of Borno state between the hours of 10pm on Wednesday night and 12am on Thursday early morning night, killing several numbers of Nigerian soldiers, overran some of the military bases, but, the Nigeria military authority claimed that Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and his troops were able to repel the attackers at Benisheikh, saying, the Brigadier General is alive and not dead as widely reported in some media platforms, in addition, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in a press statement issued a few hours ago by Major General Michael Onoja, admitted that some numbers of Nigerian soldiers were left dead during the attacks but refused to state the total numbers of soldiers killed by the attackers; accordingly, the army said “regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty”.