Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commiserate with the Nigerian Army and the state government following a deadly attack leading to the killing of military personnel.
The condolence visit follows a midnight assault on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, where suspect Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters reportedly launched coordinated attacks on multiple military positions around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Several personnel of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, including the commander, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, were killed in the assault, while military vehicles and buildings were also destroyed.
According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima’s visit was carried out on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The vice president described the fallen soldiers, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, as patriots who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
“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,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity, assuring that criminals would not escape justice under the current administration.
Taking to his social media, the vice president wrote, “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.
“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.”