Outrage over murder of Colonel, 6 soldiers in fresh terrorists raid
Less than a week after the Nigerian Army lost Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Commander of the 29th Task Force Brigade, the military has confirmed the death of another commanding officer during a terrorist attack on their location in Monguno, Borno State.
The Army, in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that six soldiers also died during the attack.
Anger and outrage have trailed the killings of the security operatives, with many Nigerians calling on governments to raise the bar on the anti-terror fight.
The statement explained that the commanding officer encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside 6 other gallant personnel.
Uba, who confirmed the sorrow of the army in losing the commander and other personnel, vowed that their service to the nation is fully appreciated.
He also confirmed that the troops have since taken full control of the location after the terrorist attack.
The full statement reads: “Troops of Sector 3 , Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) came under an isolated Tango terrorist attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno, in the late hours of 12 April 2026. Following intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were put to flight, with troops maintaining control of the location.
“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside 6 other gallant personnel.
“His actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership: courage, selfless service, and leading from the front. His willingness to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle, despite the prevailing danger, stands as a profound testament to his valour, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of his men.
“Operation HADIN KAI deeply mourns the loss of this exceptional officer and the other brave personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation. Their sacrifice will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the grateful nation they served.”
While the official statement did not disclose the name of the commanding officer, earlier reports had identified him as Colonel I.A. Muhammad.
The United States Department of State issued a new travel advisory authorising the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families from the embassy in Abuja. The advisory, released on April 8, warns of a “deteriorating security situation” and places 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” classification—the highest risk category.
Newly added states include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba. The U.S. cited threats ranging from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest and North Central, as well as persistent violence in parts of the South and Southeast, including oil-producing regions. The embassy in Abuja also suspended visa appointments, though its consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services.
Reacting, the Federal Government downplayed the advisory, describing it as a routine precaution based on U.S. internal protocols and not a reflection of the overall security situation in Nigeria. Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris said that while “isolated incidents persist,” there is “no general breakdown of law and order,” and the “vast majority of the country remains stable.”
Last weekend, the Nigerian Air Force conducted an airstrike in Borno State that reportedly left over 100 civilians dead. The strike targeted suspected Boko Haram positions at Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed “precision mop-up airstrikes on identified terrorist locations” in the Jilli axis but did not acknowledge civilian casualties or explicitly confirm that a market was hit. The Presidency, however, defended the operation, arguing that the location had been compromised by insurgents.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that the market had become a “legitimate military target” after being turned into a logistics and trading hub for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
Sun
