However, the military has not officially confirmed whether the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, was among those killed.
The Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area, Zanna Ajimi, claimed the commander was indeed a casualty.
“We just left the military base, and I can confirm that the brigade commander is among those killed,” Ajimi told journalists.
Residents in the area said the attackers came heavily armed, setting military vehicles on fire and destroying nearby shops.
A local resident, Musa Aji, explained:
“They didn’t stop at military vehicles. Shops along the road were also burnt. We haven’t heard of civilian deaths yet, but soldiers were killed.”
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the attack happened around 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when insurgents tried to break into the military base.
He said troops, led by Brigadier General Braimah, fought back with strong resistance and superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The military described the incident as a desperate move by insurgents who have recently suffered heavy losses during ongoing operations.
Despite repelling the attack, the Armed Forces confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives in the process.
“We lost brave and gallant soldiers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” the statement said.
Clearance operations are currently ongoing to track down the fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the fallen soldiers as heroes who can never be forgotten.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the troops for their bravery in defending communities against Boko Haram attacks.
“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers… Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” Tinubu said.
He added that the recent attack shows the desperation of insurgents following sustained military offensives that have weakened their ranks.
The President encouraged the military not to lose morale, assuring them of continued government support in terms of equipment and welfare.
“Do not be discouraged. Continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by you,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces and avoid any actions that glorify attacks on troops.
He extended his condolences to the government and people of Borno State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and achieving total victory over insurgency.
