Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid a condolence visit to Maiduguri following a deadly attack on Nigerian troops in Benisheikh, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to combating insecurity and honoring the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.
The visit comes in the aftermath of a coordinated midnight assault on a military base in Benisheikh, a town in Borno State, where suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province launched attacks on multiple military positions. The incident reportedly occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday and has been described as one of the most significant recent attacks on troops in the region.
Military sources confirmed that several personnel of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI were killed during the нападение, including the brigade commander, Oseni Braimah. In addition to the loss of lives, the attackers reportedly destroyed military vehicles and damaged key infrastructure within the base, highlighting the scale and intensity of the assault.
During his visit, Shettima conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that he was in the state on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief to sympathize with both the Nigerian Army and the government and people of Borno State.
Describing the fallen soldiers as heroes, the Vice President paid tribute to their courage and dedication, emphasizing the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s security.
“These men wore the uniform for all of us. They stood to protect our communities, our families, and the future of our children. Their courage reminds us that peace and security often come at a very heavy cost,” Shettima said during the visit.
The condolence visit was also confirmed in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President. According to the statement, the visit underscores the Federal Government’s solidarity with the armed forces and its resolve to address the ongoing security challenges in the North-East region.
In a message shared on his official social media platforms, Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the military and ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
“Earlier today, at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I paid a visit to the Borno State Government to condole with the state government and the Nigerian Army over the recent attack that claimed the lives of military officers at Benisheikh,” he wrote.
“Indeed, these men wore the uniform for all of us. They stood to protect our communities, our families, and the future of our children. Their courage reminds us that peace and security often come at a very heavy cost.
“Be assured of the continued support of the Federal Government. Criminals will have no hiding place under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The attack in Benisheikh underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups operating in the North-East, despite years of military operations aimed at degrading their capabilities. Islamic State West Africa Province, a splinter faction of Boko Haram, has remained active in the region, often targeting military formations and rural communities.
Security analysts note that such attacks, particularly those involving coordinated strikes on military bases, demonstrate the evolving tactics of insurgent groups and the ongoing challenges faced by security forces. The destruction of equipment and infrastructure during the нападение further highlights the need for sustained investment in military capacity and intelligence gathering.
Borno State, with Maiduguri as its capital, has long been at the epicenter of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis. While significant progress has been made in reclaiming territories and restoring civil authority in many areas, sporadic attacks continue to pose serious risks to both security personnel and civilians.
The Vice President’s visit is seen as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to boost morale among troops and reassure affected communities of continued support. It also serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in defending the nation.
As Nigeria continues its fight against insurgency, the government’s renewed pledge to strengthen security operations and hold perpetrators accountable will be closely watched. For the families of the fallen soldiers and their colleagues in the Nigerian Army, the visit by Kashim Shettima represents both a gesture of solidarity and a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to honoring their service and sacrifice.
