Tinubu Mourns Fallen Soldiers in Boko Haram Clash
By Wellington Jopelo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of soldiers from the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai. The troops were killed during a coordinated terrorist attack on their base in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The attack happened in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2026. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the incident and said several soldiers lost their lives when terrorists tried to overrun the military location.
President Tinubu sent condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of the fallen soldiers. He praised the bravery and sacrifice of the troops and urged soldiers on the frontlines not to be discouraged by the attack.
Reports say Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters carried out simultaneous attacks in Benisheikh and Pulka communities in Borno State, causing widespread violence and destruction.
In recent months, several senior military officers have also been killed in similar attacks, including brigade commanders and other senior officers, raising concern about rising insecurity in the region.
Security analysts have called for a full investigation into the repeated attacks and alleged operational and logistics challenges affecting the military’s response in the northeast.
In Pulka, terrorists were also said to have killed civilians, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and destroyed buildings and equipment belonging to construction companies operating in the area.
In Benisheikh, attackers reportedly burned vehicles and forced travelers to stop overnight due to the closure of the Maiduguri–Damaturu–Kano highway, before launching the assault.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the attack and said troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat while also inflicting losses on them, even though some soldiers died in the process.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martins Luther Agwai, urged troops not to lose morale, saying they should remain focused and continue fighting for peace in Nigeria despite the painful losses.