Tinubu Vows To Crush Terrorism After Boko Haram Kills Normal And Troopers In Borno, Says Insurgents Present Desperation

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday vowed that Nigeria would defeat terrorism, declaring that the killing of Brigadier Normal Oseni Braimah  and others by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State on Thursday wouldn’t weaken the nation’s resolve to finish the extended insurgency.

The President, due to this fact, urged the management of the Armed Forces and all troopers on the frontline to not be discouraged by the severity of their challenges within the battle theatre, stressing that the nation stays appreciative of their sacrifices.

Tinubu expressed deep disappointment over the lack of the courageous troopers of the 29 Job Power Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, who died in a coordinated terrorists’ assault on their camp in Benisheikh a part of Borno State.

In a launch by his Adviser on Info and Technique, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu additionally expressed heartfelt condolences to the army and the households of the troopers, urging them to take coronary heart within the face of the unlucky loss.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed the assault and the tragic lack of lives, which occurred early Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Within the authorities launch, Tinubu praised the braveness and heroism of the troopers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and make sure that Boko Haram couldn’t overrun the communities the troopers defend.

Whereas mourning the demise of the gallant troopers, the president urged the management of the Armed Forces and all troopers on the frontline to not be discouraged, however to attract energy from the nation’s deep appreciation for his or her sacrifices.

“From the studies I’ve acquired, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives towards the insurgents, neutralising a lot of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is an indication of desperation.

“I lengthen my condolences to the households of our gallant troopers, led by  Brigadier Normal Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the final word sacrifice within the defence of our nation at the moment (yesterday) in Borno State.

“The federal government will always remember their sacrifices. Their sacrifices won’t be in useless. Due to the braveness and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all types of violence throughout Nigeria is stronger than ever.”

Apart from, the President enjoined media homes and certainly all Nigerians to desist from ‘celebrating’ or condoning the assaults on troops, describing the troopers as heroes.

“I urge the Navy Excessive Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Don’t lose coronary heart, don’t be weary, don’t be discouraged. Our officers and males ought to proceed to serve with honour, braveness, and patriotism.

“The federal government will all the time stand by the Armed Forces, present extra of the gear wanted and make sure the welfare of all who danger their lives for our security.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to proceed to assist our Navy of their relentless battle towards insurgency and banditry. We should always desist from celebrating or condoning the assaults towards our troops. These troopers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

“My condolences additionally go to the federal government and other people of Borno State. The federal authorities will proceed to work with the state authorities to attain whole victory and lasting peace,” he added.

DHQ Urges Nigerians to Respect Navy Custom

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has urged Nigerians and the media to respect established army custom within the announcement of fallen officers, following studies of casualties from a contemporary terrorist assault in Borno State.

This newest assault got here barely 5 months after the killing of a commanding officer underneath Joint Job Power North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier Normal Musa Uba, who was additionally killed in an ambush by ISWAP terrorists.

Reacting to the event, DHQ emphasised the significance of due course of in speaking such losses, significantly the necessity to notify households earlier than public disclosure.

Confirming the assault and the casualties, Director of Defence Media Operations, Main Normal Michael Onoja,in a press release, expressed remorse that the encounter resulted within the lack of a ‘few’ courageous and gallant troopers, who paid the supreme worth within the line of responsibility.

The Chief of Defence Workers, Normal Olufemi Oluyede, honoured their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the defence of the nation, noting that their braveness would stay an enduring supply of pleasure and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at massive.

The excessive command additionally prolonged its deepest condolences to the households and family members of the deceased.

“’Consistent with established army custom and respect for the fallen, most people and media are kindly requested to permit the Armed Forces to formally notify the following of kin earlier than the discharge of additional particulars.

“The general public can be urged to ignore misinformation, sensational studies, and unverified content material circulating throughout social media platforms, as these undermine ongoing operations and nationwide safety efforts,” l Onoja mentioned.

Offering additional particulars on the incident, Onoja defined that troops of the 29 Job Power Brigade underneath Operation Hadin Kai got here underneath a coordinated terrorist assault at their Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh.

In response to him, the assault occurred at roughly 0030hrs (12:30am) on Thursday, 9 April 2026, when insurgents tried to breach the defensive perimeter of the army set up.

“Nonetheless, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier Normal Oseni Braimah, responded with distinctive braveness, professionalism, and superior firepower. In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents had been decisively engaged and compelled to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission and forsaking traces of their failed assault,” he mentioned.

Onoja additionally described the assault as an indication of desperation by terrorists who, after struggling vital losses in current operations, had continued to launch futile offensives towards “well-defended army positions”.

“The swift and decisive response by troops underscores the excessive degree of fight readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai in safeguarding important areas and sustaining stress on terrorist {groups} throughout the North-East theatre.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with different safety companies and stakeholders, stay resolute and undeterred within the ongoing struggle towards terrorism and insurgency. Further clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing within the normal space to trace and neutralise fleeing insurgents, in addition to to disclaim them any alternative to regroup,” he mentioned.

The Chief of Defence Workers counseled the bravery, self-discipline, and steadfastness of the troops, whose sacrifices continued to make sure the protection, stability, and sovereignty of Nigeria.

He added that their dedication in probably the most difficult operational environments reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ dedication to restoring lasting peace within the North-East and throughout the nation.

The general public was additionally inspired to assist the Armed Forces with well timed and credible data, whereas remaining calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as operations continued.

An earlier report by worldwide information company, Reuters, had Tuesday said that Islamist militants killed at the very least 14 Nigerian troopers and injured a number of others throughout two separate assaults on military bases in Borno State on March 5.

Quoting safety sources, the report indicated that suspected ISWAP fighters attacked a Nigerian Military base in Ngoshe city, Gwoza district, killing at the very least 9 troops and a neighborhood Imam. It additional alleged that the attackers seized weapons and ammunition and kidnapped an unspecified variety of ladies.

Reuters additionally reported that one other army base in Pulka, additional north in Gwoza district, was attacked, ensuing within the demise of 5 troopers, together with a commanding officer, in response to two sources accustomed to the incident.

The Chairman of the Kaga Native Authorities Space,  Zanna Ajimi, additionally confirmed the killing of the senior officer. “Sure, we simply left the army base now, and I can verify to you that the brigade commander is among the many casualties,”  Ajimi said.

Additionally, reacting to the assaults in Pulka and different components of the state, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) urged Tinubu to walk-the-talk as many lives, particularly of safety forces, had been dying each day.

“Though, from the knowledge at my disposal, the terrorists who got here to Pulka in massive numbers succeeded in killing some troopers after troops ran out of ammunition. A member of the Civilian Joint Job additionally misplaced his life, whereas a lot of the gear and machines belonging to Decency Street Building Agency had been set ablaze by the terrorists.

“Earlier than invading Pulka, the terrorists killed one individual in Warabe village after the neighborhood resisted the assault,” Ndume lamented.

Ndume, who attributed the deadly assaults to lack of sufficient combating gear mentioned issues won’t change, “except President Tinubu leaves politicking and concentrates on finish Boko Haram, by equipping the army with fighter jets, drones, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) autos.”

SMBLF Seeks Finish to ‘Smooth’ Dealing with of Terrorists, Bandits

The Southern and Center Belt Leaders Discussion board (SMBLF) has raised contemporary considerations over the rising boldness of terrorists working throughout Nigeria, warning that the nation’s safety scenario was quick deteriorating.

In a press release in Kaduna, the group mentioned the frequency, unfold and brutality of assaults clearly indicated a worsening disaster.

The assertion on Thursdaywas collectively signed by the chief of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; President of the Center Belt Discussion board, Dr Bitrus Pogu; President Normal of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata; and Nationwide Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali.

It mentioned  Nigerians had been changing into more and more unsafe, whether or not in rural communities or city centres.

It cited current incidents, together with the killing of harmless residents on Palm Sunday in Unguwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State; the killing and abduction of Christian worshippers throughout Easter in Kahir village in Kachia Native Authorities Space of Kaduna State; and the killing of 17 individuals in Gwer neighborhood in Benue State.  It additionally referenced a number of different violent assaults throughout the nation.

“These heinous crimes should not go with out accountability and justice. Heads should roll,” the assertion mentioned.

Whereas commending the safety forces for his or her efforts in varied theatres of operation, the discussion board expressed concern that sure sections throughout the federal authorities seemed to be lenient in coping with terrorists.

It cited current remarks by the Chief of Defence Workers, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who reportedly described terrorists as “prodigal sons” deserving reintegration, in addition to feedback by the Nationwide Safety Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who referred to bandits as “our brothers that we should dwell with.”

PANDEF mentioned, “These statements ship a harmful message that those that kill harmless Nigerians needs to be handled with sympathy quite than face to justice.”

The discussion board argued that such a mindset has resulted in insurance policies that favour perpetrators over victims.

It additionally criticised the federal authorities’s deradicalisation initiative – Operation Open Hall – describing it as a programme that expended vital sources rehabilitating former terrorists whereas their victims had been left to undergo.

“These people have destroyed communities, killed 1000’s and displaced hundreds of thousands. But they’re rehabilitated and reintegrated, whereas their victims stay in overcrowded IDP camps underneath deplorable situations.

“This case is just not solely unjust, it’s deeply insulting to those that have suffered,” the discussion board mentioned.

The group known as for the speedy abolition of the programme, insisting that no severe nation rewards mass violence whereas neglecting victims.

The discussion board additional confused the necessity for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s safety structure, advocating a method anchored on intelligence, accountability and deterrence.

It urged that safety companies be higher geared up, motivated and held accountable for efficiency.

Court docket Jails Extra Terror Suspects

Equally, a particular courtroom sitting in Abuja has sentenced scores of defendants to numerous jail phrases, over their alleged complicity within the actions of the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Their sentencing on Thursdayfollowed their admission to guilt within the terrorism cost learn towards them. The particular courtroom sitting on terrorism which resumed on Tuesday was tasked with the trial of 500 terror suspects held in army amenities in Kainji and Maiduguri.

Whereas the Lawyer-Normal of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN), led the prosecution, the Director-Normal of the Authorized Help Council of Nigeria (LACON), headed the defence staff.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, convicted and sentenced 11 individuals to numerous jail phrases starting from 60 to 40 years imprisonment, on offences that had been introduced underneath the Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) Act.

Their sentencing, in response to the choose, would run concurrently and commencing from the date of their arrest and detention. The courtroom additionally ordered that the convicts be rehabilitated and de-radicalised after serving their varied jail phrases.

The convicts included Musa Mustapha, Ali Mohammed, Babagana Ali, Abacha Abba, Ali Abbagana Umar, Kadi Agwala, Yahaya Umara, Alhaji Ari, Goni Mustapha, Ali Modu and Alhaji Fannaya.

They had been accused of belonging to a proscribed organisation often called the Boko Haram sect and rendering supplies and logistics assist to members of the group. The convicts had been sentenced upon their confession to the offences in open courtroom in addition to of their additional judicial statements.

Justice Egwuatu in handing down their varied jail phrases, held that the courtroom was allowed to summarily convict the defendants upon an admission to guilt with out calling on the prosecution to show his case. The Decide added that the courtroom may convict an accused upon his confessional assertion.

Within the case of Alhaji Fannaya, a Boko Haram member from Bama Native Authorities Space of Borno State, he was convicted and sentenced to twenty years on every of the four-count cost towards him. This was after he pleaded to 4 out of the 5 depend prices.

Abacha Abba, a confessed Boko Haram member from Dikwa Native Authorities Space of Borno, was convicted and sentenced to twenty years on every of the three-count cost together with conveying weapons to members of the sect and receiving coaching directions on weapon dealing with.

Ali Babagana Umar was additionally convicted and sentenced to twenty years on every of the two-count cost together with rendering assist to Boko Haram members.

Kadi Agwala of Dikwa Native Authorities Space of Borno State,  was sentenced and convicted to twenty years on every of the two-counts for rendering assist to members of Boko Haram.

In his personal judgment, Justice Peter Lifu sentenced one Ali Kolo, to 9 years imprisonment for failing to report the actions of the dreaded terrorists to safety brokers. Kolo advised the courtroom that he was shot in the best leg by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State whereas going to report the actions of the terrorists to the army.

He was nevertheless convicted for concealing data relating to the actions of the terrorists group in Borno State.

The defendant who was 37 years outdated when the terrorists shattered his proper leg with bullets knowledgeable the courtroom that he was shot with an AK-47 gun whereas on his strategy to report the terrorists to the army.

The defendant, by his lawyer, Mrs Usman defined that his journey to report the fear group was lower quick as a result of he landed within the hospital on account of the gun harm and pleaded with the choose to be lenient with him.

In his judgment, Justice Lifu agreed that the defendant didn’t report the actions of the fear group to the army however held that it was resulting from circumstances past his management.

Lifu consequently, sentenced him to 9 years imprisonment and ordered that the sentence ought to begin from 2017 when the defendant was arrested and clamped into detention. Lifu held that by jail legislation, the convict had already spent greater than 10 years in detention and should due to this fact, be instantly launched from custody to allow him attend to his harm.

The choose in his discretion noticed that the convict was not discovered responsible for belonging to the Boko Haram sect nor acquired coaching in weapons however was discovered responsible solely on concealment of data.  The trial continues at the moment.

 Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah, Linus Aleke, Segun Awofadeji, Hammed Shittu and Muhammad Sabiru

Times Nigeria