By Luka Binniyat
ABUJA — Insurgents attacked a military base in Nigeria’s Borno State on Wednesday, killing six soldiers, authorities said, as the country buried a brigadier general and six troops killed in an earlier attack.
The latest attack occurred around midday in Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, where insurgents struck a military formation and killed six soldiers, Sen. Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, told Leadership Newspaper.
Six More Soldiers Killed
Leadership Newspaper reported that heavily armed Boko Haram fighters tried to infiltrate the base in Mussa village, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, triggering a gun battle with troops that left six soldiers dead.
The newspaper cited security sources as saying at least six soldiers were killed in the confrontation and that several civilians also died in the crossfire, though it did not provide a civilian death toll.
The newspaper said the attack triggered panic among residents, many of whom fled the area.
Ndume condemned the killings as tragic and alarming, the report said.
He warned that the renewed attacks in southern Borno point to a worsening security situation and called for urgent reinforcements for military operations in vulnerable communities, according to the report.
The report added that he urged security agencies to adopt more proactive, intelligence-driven strategies to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence among residents.
Leadership wrote that the latest assault reflects a renewed pattern of attacks on military formations and civilians in Nigeria’s northeast, raising concerns about Boko Haram’s resilience despite years of military campaigns.
It added that residents in affected areas continue to call for stronger protection, as repeated violence heightens fears of displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Solemn Burial
“In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, Nigeria laid to rest late Brigadier General Omo Braimah, Captain Azubuike Michael Esimai, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” the Headquarters of Nigerian Army published on X, Thursday, 16th April 2026.
“The fallen heroes were accorded full military honors in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” the statement said.
According to the Nigerian Army, the burial of the fallen soldiers which took place at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour and reflection, as grieving families, colleagues and top government officials gathered to pay their last respects.
“Among dignitaries present were Borno State Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum; the minister of defense, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.); the chief of defense staff; the chief of army staff; and other senior military officers,” the statement added.
“In separate tributes, the leaders described the deceased as courageous patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and made the ultimate sacrifice for national peace and security,” the statement said.
“They said their bravery would remain a lasting inspiration to future generations,” the statement added.
“Prayers were offered for the repose of their souls, while detailed citations of their service were read to their families, whose grief highlighted the human cost of Nigeria’s prolonged counterinsurgency operations,” the statement concluded.
