Brigadier-General Feared Killed in Coordinated Boko Haram Attacks Across Borno
A senior Nigerian Army officer, Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah, is feared to have been killed during a series of coordinated Boko Haram insurgent attacks that struck four communities in Borno State. The violent assaults targeted areas bordering Cameroon, including Banki Ruwa, Ngamdu, Benisheik, and Pulka, in the early hours of Wednesday.
Simultaneous Attacks Target Southern Sambisa Forest Fringe
According to credible military sources in Maiduguri, the multiple attacks occurred simultaneously, focusing on communities located on the southern fringe of the notorious Sambisa Forest. The first wave of assaults reportedly began around 10:30 p.m. in Pulka and Banki Ruwa, both situated within Gwoza Local Government Area.
During these initial strikes, insurgents are said to have overrun a military base, setting several military assets ablaze. Additionally, construction equipment belonging to the Borno State Government was destroyed in the chaos. The attackers also looted food supplies from shops in Pulka before withdrawing from the area.
Brigade Commander Killed Defending Base
Hours later, at approximately midnight, the insurgents launched another coordinated attack on Benisheikh and Ngamdu, located about 100 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the state capital. In Benisheikh, the terrorists reportedly overran the 29 Task Force Brigade, destroying multiple military vehicles in the process.
It was during this attack that Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah, the Brigade Commander of the formation, was reportedly killed while leading efforts to defend the base, protect troops, and safeguard civilians in the area. The attackers also set several vehicles ablaze along the critical Maiduguri–Damaturu highway and operated in Ngamdu community for more than three hours.
Diversionary Tactics Suspected in Attacks
Security sources have suggested that the assault on Ngamdu may have been a diversionary tactic aimed at delaying reinforcement efforts from the Nigerian Air Force. Similarly, the attack on Banki Ruwa is believed to have served as a decoy to facilitate the operation in Pulka, indicating a sophisticated level of planning by the insurgents.
As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement regarding these devastating attacks. The incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region, despite years of counter-insurgency operations.
