Journalist Sulaiman Aledeh has paid tribute to Oseni Braimah, commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, who was killed during a terrorist attack on a military camp in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday when insurgents attempted to breach the camp.
Troops engaged the attackers and repelled the assault, but some soldiers, including Braimah, were killed.
In a post shared on social media on Friday, Mr Aledeh described Braimah as a close associate and recalled their first meeting in 2015 during the handover from former president Goodluck Jonathan to Muhammadu Buhari.
He said Braimah was committed to Nigeria and saw every part of the country as his home.
“Our journey began in 2015, during the handover ceremony. From that meeting, I saw a man committed to this country,” he wrote.
Aledeh said Braimah’s presence brought a sense of calm to those around him and described him as someone who led from the front.
“When Oseni was in the room, you felt a sense of security and stability. He led from the front and remained close to people,” he added.
He said Braimah’s death is a personal loss and that his service will not be forgotten.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier reacted to the attack, expressing condolences to the military and families of the victims.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president said the soldiers died in service to the country and would be remembered.
“I extend my condolences to the families of our soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, who died in the line of duty. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten,” Tinubu said.
He urged the military not to be discouraged and assured them of continued support.
The Defence Headquarters said the attack took place around 12:30 a.m. when insurgents tried to breach the camp.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations Michael Onoja troops responded and forced the attackers to withdraw.
He said the incident led to the loss of some soldiers and that operations were ongoing to track the attackers and prevent further attacks.
The military added that it remains engaged in operations against insurgents in the region.
