The Nigerian Army yesterday laid to rest the remains of Late Brigadier General Oseini Braimah, Captain Azubuike Michael Esimai, and six other officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty, while fighting insurgents in Borno State.
The military officers were killed during a battle last Wednesday, when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the 29 Task Force in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The remains of Late Brig. Gen. Braimah, Captain Esimai and the other six fallen heroes were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.
The sombre event, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery, brought together top government officials, senior military commanders and other representatives to honour fallen personnel who lost their lives in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East sub-region.
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Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, were among the top officials who paid tribute at the burial of the fallen heroes.
In their respective tributes, dignitaries described the fallen soldiers as true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and paid the ultimate price so that Nigerians might live in safety.
They noted that the bravery and sense of duty displayed by the troops would continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the nation’s history.
In his remarks, Zulum described the troops as the nation’s shield, whose dedication has enabled the gradual restoration of civil authority in previously insurgent-held areas.
“I want to assure you that the Borno State Government will never abandon you. We will continue to support you, especially those operating far from their comfort zones and confronting the harsh realities on the battlefield. We are fully aware of the sacrifices being made, and the situation is indeed very challenging,” he said.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Musa, told grieving families that their loss is shared by the entire nation.
“These were true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger so that others might live in safety,” he said, adding that their courage would remain a lasting symbol of the price paid for peace.
Addressing the bereaved families, he said: “Your grief is our grief; your loss is the nation’s loss. No words can truly fill the void left by your loved ones.”
He also urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain resolute, calling on them to draw strength from the sacrifices of their fallen colleagues and intensify efforts against insurgents and other criminal elements.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Oluyede, described the occasion as not only a time for mourning but also a solemn moment of reflection that highlights the stability and peace often taken for granted.
He said the courage of the fallen heroes, who overcame immense odds, exemplified the highest standards of bravery and the enduring military tradition of loyalty and sacrifice.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Shaibu, said that while the nation mourns, it must also remember and uphold the legacy of the fallen troops.
“In honouring them today, we reaffirm our commitment to care for the families they left behind, uphold the values they defended, and continue the mission for which they gave their lives,” he said.
He urged serving personnel to draw strength from the courage and dedication of their fallen colleagues.
“Let their memories and courage strengthen our resolve and inspire our actions. Let their dedication remind us that the uniform we wear is a sacred trust. Though they have fallen, their spirits march on in the enduring strength and unity of this mission.
“We recognise the pain of this irreplaceable loss, and though words cannot fully console you, please take solace in the noble legacy of service and honour they left behind,” he added.
Soldiers killed in line of duty in Borno
The deaths of Braimah and other officers last Wednesday have further increased the toll of military personnel killed in the line of duty in Borno State over the past six months.
Three commanding officers were killed in March 2026: Major U.I. Mairiga, who headed the Mayenti base; Lt-Col Umar Faruq, commander of the Kukawa base and the 101 Brigade; and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who served in Konduga.
Findings showed that most of the deaths occurred during attacks on military bases or ambushes carried out by insurgents during clearance operations.
The most recent incident occurred on Sunday, April 12, when the Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion, Monguno, Col. I.A. Mohammed and six other soldiers lost their lives when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), reportedly planted by insurgents, went off.
On October 10, 2025, some soldiers were feared dead when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngamdu, Kaga local government area of Borno State.
The incident happened when the insurgents, in large numbers, attacked the troops at the camp along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
On October 20, 2025, the suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly ambush on security forces in Kashimiri village, Bama LGA of Borno State, killing the Commanding Officer of the 202 Battalion, five soldiers, and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
Several other soldiers, including the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion, Konduga, sustained injuries.
Similarly, on March 5, the suspected terrorists attacked a military base and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Ngoshe town of Gwoza LGA of Borno state, killing an unspecified number of soldiers and civilians.
Zulum announces N50m for families of fallen soldiers
Meanwhile, Zulum announced a donation of N50 million in financial assistance to the families of late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other officers and soldiers.
“As immediate support to cushion the effect of this tragic loss, the Borno State Government will release N50 million to the family of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and other deceased personnel,” he said.
Zulum described the recent targeted attacks on military commanders as a deliberate attempt by insurgents to weaken the morale of troops but assured that efforts are underway to reverse the trend.
“The resurgence in the killing of combatant officers and men is a deliberate attempt to demoralise our armed forces, but we shall do everything possible to reverse this trend, Insha Allah,” he said.
