Jihadist fighters killed a Nigerian army brigadier general and several soldiers in an overnight assault on a military base in the country’s northeast, officials and security sources said, underscoring a worsening security crisis across the region.
Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah was among those killed when militants overran a base in Benisheikh, around 75 kilometres from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. At least four sources, including military and intelligence officials, confirmed the attack, with one source placing the death toll at 18.
The assailants reportedly breached the base’s defences and set military vehicles ablaze before withdrawing.
Nigeria’s military acknowledged the attack, saying insurgents attempted to penetrate the installation but were “decisively engaged” and forced to retreat. It did not confirm casualties or the death of the senior officer.
President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to the fallen troops, praising their “courage and heroism” in preventing militants from overrunning nearby communities.
Braimah is the second senior officer killed in recent months, following the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba in November, highlighting mounting risks faced by Nigeria’s military leadership as insurgent activity intensifies.
Africa’s most populous nation has battled a jihadist insurgency since 2009, when Boko Haram launched an uprising that later splintered into factions including Islamic State West Africa Province.
Violence has surged in recent weeks. At least 90 people have been killed since Sunday in attacks across remote villages, according to local officials, humanitarian sources and church groups.
Security analysts warn the conflict is entering a more dangerous phase, with militants expanding operations beyond their traditional strongholds in the northeast.
Recent attacks have included raids in Kebbi state blamed on a local group linked to Al-Qaeda, as well as coordinated assaults by armed gangs known locally as “bandits,” who have carried out mass killings, kidnappings and village raids.
Church officials said entire communities were attacked over several days without effective military intervention, displacing at least 1,900 people in parts of Kebbi.
Data from conflict monitor Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project indicates a growing number of attacks by groups affiliated with both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, raising concerns that the Sahel’s long-running insurgency is spreading deeper into Nigeria and towards coastal West Africa.
The deteriorating security situation has also prompted international concern. The United States Department of State this week authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel from Abuja, citing rising risks.
The United States has expanded its military support to Nigeria in recent months, including deploying around 200 troops to provide training and technical assistance to local forces battling jihadist groups.