Fresh details have emerged on the circumstances surrounding the death of Brigadier-General O.O. Braimoh, who was killed during a deadly terrorist attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources said the senior officer was unable to escape the assault after the armoured vehicle he attempted to use reportedly developed a fault at a critical moment.

The attack, believed to have been carried out by fighters linked to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram (ISWAP), left several soldiers dead, with others injured or missing.

A military source, who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday, said the late brigade commander tried to withdraw from the base as insurgents advanced but encountered mechanical failure.

“When the attack was ongoing, the Brigade Commander, O.O. Braimoh, was trying to manoeuvre his way out. He attempted to leave in a bulletproof vehicle,” the source said.

“However, the vehicle failed to start. That was how he was captured and eventually killed by the insurgents.”

The source further alleged that poor maintenance culture and mismanagement of resources within some military formations may have contributed to the incident.

According to the source, funds allocated for vehicle maintenance and fuel are not always properly utilised, leaving critical equipment in poor condition.

“The Federal Government has released funds for vehicle maintenance and fuel, but some commanders fail to utilise them properly,” the source alleged.

“If a vehicle develops a fault and junior officers report it, they are often told to manage the situation. Even requests for fuel are sometimes ignored.”

The source added that the armoured vehicle used by the late general had existing mechanical issues prior to the attack.

The assault occurred late Wednesday night when insurgents reportedly stormed the military formation in Benisheikh with heavy gunfire and explosives. The attack was said to have lasted several hours, causing significant casualties.

Another military source confirmed that Braimoh was killed alongside several officers, including the Brigade Imam.

“He was killed alongside the Brigade Imam and several officers. The attack lasted for hours. It is very unfortunate,” the source said.

Several other soldiers were also reported injured, while some personnel remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue.