By Oluwakemi Kindness
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, following a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was confirmed by the Defence Headquarters.
According to the military, insurgents attempted to breach the camp’s defensive perimeter but were repelled by troops after a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Despite successfully pushing back the attackers, the military disclosed that some soldiers lost their lives in the encounter, underscoring the continued risks faced by personnel in the North-East theatre of operations.
In his reaction, the President commiserated with the Armed Forces and the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the nation.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the military with improved welfare and operational resources.
The attack is believed to be part of renewed efforts by insurgent groups to destabilise security gains recorded under Operation HADIN KAI, the military’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram and other extremist factions in the region.
President Tinubu noted that Nigerian troops have sustained pressure on insurgents through coordinated land and air offensives, leading to the neutralisation of several fighters and commanders in recent months.
He described the latest assault as a retaliatory move by weakened террорист elements.
The President further called on military leadership and frontline troops to remain resolute, assuring them of the nation’s continued support as efforts intensify to end insurgency and restore lasting peace in the North-East.
