New details have emerged about the death of Brigadier-General O.O. Braimoh, who lost his life during a violent insurgent attack on a military base in Borno State.
Military sources say the senior officer attempted to leave the base as the assault unfolded but was unable to escape after the armoured vehicle he tried to use developed a fault.
According to a source who spoke to SaharaReporters, Braimoh tried to manoeuvre out of the area in a bullet-resistant vehicle during the attack, but the vehicle would not start, leaving him stranded.
“During the attack, the Brigade Commander, O.O. Braimoh, attempted to move out in an armoured vehicle. Unfortunately, the vehicle failed to start, which led to him being overpowered and later killed by the insurgents,” the source said.
The source also raised concerns about alleged negligence and corruption among some senior military officers, claiming that funds meant for vehicle maintenance and fuel are not always properly utilised.
“The Federal Government releases funds for vehicle servicing and fuel, but in some cases commanders fail to apply them as required. When junior officers report faults with vehicles, they are often told to keep managing the situation. Requests for fuel are also sometimes ignored,” the source added.
He further explained that the armoured vehicle Braimoh attempted to use had mechanical problems, describing such lapses as common during emergency situations.
Earlier reports indicated that fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction linked to Boko Haram, launched the attack on a military formation in Benisheikh, located in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, late on Wednesday night.
The insurgents reportedly stormed the base with heavy gunfire and explosives, leaving several soldiers dead, including Braimoh, while others were wounded or remain unaccounted for.
“He died alongside the Brigade Imam and several other officers. The attack lasted for hours. It is very unfortunate,” another military source said.
Although the Nigerian military has repeatedly stated that the insurgency has been largely contained, attacks by ISWAP have continued to increase in the North-East, particularly around communities near the Lake Chad region.