ISWAP Attack on Nigerian Base Kills Brigade Commander

Insurgents from the Islamic State West Africa Province faction of Boko Haram launched a coordinated midnight attack on a Nigerian military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, killing the brigade commander and several troops early Thursday.

The assault targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Kaga Local Government Area around 12:30 a.m. on April 9. Troops under Operation Hadin Kai engaged the attackers in a fierce hours-long gun battle, ultimately repelling them with superior firepower. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the incident in a statement from Major General Michael Onoja, director of Defence Media Operations, noting that the insurgents attempted to breach the base's perimeter but retreated in disarray after suffering losses.

Brigadier General O. O. Braimah, commander of the 29 Brigade, was among those killed, according to local officials and residents. Hon. Zanna Ajimi, chairman of Kaga Local Government Area, confirmed the death after visiting the site, stating, "We just left the military base, and I can confirm that the brigade commander is among the casualties." A resident, Mallam Lawal Benesheikh, described the scene on social media, writing, "Boko Haram has...