Nigerian Army Detains 15-Year-Old Suspect in Brigadier General Killing Case
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 15-year-old suspect in Borno State over alleged involvement in a deadly military base attack that resulted in the killing of a senior officer and multiple soldiers. The arrest occurred on Sunday while the suspect was reportedly on his way to purchase food supplies for members of his group.
Suspect Linked to Attack on Brigadier General Oseni Braimah
Military sources have identified the suspect, named Tijjani, as being directly linked to the attack that claimed the life of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and three other soldiers. Brigadier General Braimah served as the commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai, which is the Nigerian military's counter-insurgency operation in the northeast region.
The coordinated attacks by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military bases resulted in the tragic loss of Brigadier General Braimah and seventeen soldiers. These incidents have highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Borno State and surrounding areas.
Video Confession Details Attacks and Logistics Operations
A video confession has emerged showing the suspect speaking in Hausa and admitting to participating in attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu in Borno State. In the video, Tijjani stated that he was arrested in Ngamdu while attempting to collect logistics for his group.
"Before the attack, we came from Jilli and returned there after the attack. I was sent from Jilli yesterday with N850,000 to collect some logistics from Ngamdu, but I was arrested by troops," the suspect confessed in the video.
He further added, "Yesterday (Saturday), I left other fighters, my colleagues, at Jilli. I don't know what happened to them there."
Authorities Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of the time of reporting, authorities have not released an official statement regarding the arrest. However, the suspect's video confession has circulated widely online, drawing significant public attention to the case. Investigation into the matter is expected to continue in the coming days as military officials gather more information about the attack and the suspect's involvement.
President Tinubu Reacts to Borno Attack
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of soldiers attached to the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai. The President extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of the deceased, describing their sacrifice as both heroic and irreplaceable.
In response to the security situation, President Tinubu has declared an emergency on security training institutions in Nigeria. This decision follows assessments of training facilities for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other internal security agencies, aiming to enhance their capabilities in addressing security threats.
The arrest of the teenage suspect represents a significant development in the investigation of the attack that killed Brigadier General Braimah and his colleagues. As security forces continue their operations in Borno State, this case underscores the complex nature of counter-insurgency efforts in the region.
