The Nigerian Army has laid to rest Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and several other soldiers killed during a recent insurgent attack in Borno State. The burial took place on April 15, 2026, at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, with full military honours.
The soldiers lost their lives on April 9 when suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters carried out coordinated assaults on military positions in Benisheikh, a strategic town in Kaga Local Government Area along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
In a statement, the Army described the ceremony as solemn and emotionally charged. It noted that the event was marked by sorrow, honour, and reflection, underscoring the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to protect Nigeria’s peace and security. The fallen soldiers were accorded full military honours in recognition of their service.
The Army emphasized that their deaths serve as a reminder of the heavy price paid daily by personnel in the fight against insurgency. It highlighted the courage and dedication of the deceased, describing them as patriots who gave their lives in defence of the nation.
The burial was attended by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers. They paid tribute to the soldiers, offering prayers for their souls and reading citations that detailed their service records. Families of the deceased were present, and the grief expressed underscored the human cost of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.
Governor Zulum and military leaders praised the soldiers’ bravery, noting that their sacrifice remains a source of national pride. They stressed the importance of honouring the memory of those who have fallen while continuing efforts to defeat insurgent groups.
The Army’s statement reflected both sorrow and resilience, acknowledging the pain of loss while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the country. It reiterated that the courage of the fallen soldiers strengthens the resolve of the Armed Forces to continue the fight against terrorism and restore peace in the region.
The burial ceremony highlighted the dual realities of Nigeria’s security struggle: the devastating human toll and the enduring spirit of service among its military personnel. As the nation mourns, the sacrifices of Brigadier General Braimah, Captain Ismail, and their colleagues stand as a testament to the resilience of the Armed Forces and the ongoing battle to secure Nigeria’s unity and stability.
