Boko Haram Attack: Tinubu confirms identity of killed Army General, weeps over him and his gallant troops

President Bola Tinubu yesterday evening, Thursday, April 9, 2026, confirmed the identity of the Nigerian Army General who made the supreme sacrifice alongside several of his soldiers during a recent Boko Haram terrorist attack on the camp of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, in Benisheikh, Borno State.

The President in a statement his Spokesman Bayo Onanuga identified the slain Brigade Commander as Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, expressing sadness over his death and that of his troops who died in the terrorist attack. He also expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier in the day confirmed the attack and the tragic loss of lives, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday.

President Tinubu praised “the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect.”

While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

His words: “From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.

“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our Military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

"My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The Federal Government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace.”

U.S. Embassy Abuja suspends visa appointments after security warnings

The United States Embassy Abuja has announced the suspension of visa appointments in the nation’s capital, directing affected applicants to await further instructions.

In a post on its official X handle, the embassy said, “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

The U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment. pic.twitter.com/BO45qePlRs

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) April 9, 2026

The development comes amid heightened security concerns flagged by the United States Department of State, which has ordered the departure of non-essential staff and their family members from Abuja.

In a travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria from April 8, 2026, citing risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited healthcare services.

The advisory places Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while 23 states have been designated “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” indicating a further escalation in security concerns.

Despite the closure in Abuja, visa processing continues at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, while emergency and appointment-based services remain available for American citizens.

Osimhen emerges as Barcelona’s top summer target

 Barcelona have intensified their search for a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen emerging as a primary target.

Spanish media reports indicate the Nigerian international is now viewed as a more financially viable option than the club’s initial top choice, Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona had identified Alvarez as their “dream signing,” but the financial demands surrounding the deal have proved prohibitive.

Atletico Madrid are said to value the Argentine striker at around €200 million and are unwilling to negotiate lower fees or accept player-plus-cash offers.

With the club no longer under financial pressure to sell, any potential deal would require at least €100 million in immediate cash, well beyond Barcelona’s current budget flexibility.

As a result, attention has shifted firmly to Osimhen, who has maintained an impressive scoring rate since joining Galatasaray. 

The 26-year-old is currently recovering from surgery on a fractured right forearm sustained during a UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool FC in March 2026. Despite the setback, his performances in Türkiye have continued to attract strong interest from across Europe.

Osimhen’s numbers this season underline his impact, making 29 appearances, scoring 19 goals and creating seven assists.

With Barcelona still navigating financial constraints and needing to reinforce multiple positions, Osimhen is increasingly seen as a more “achievable” option.

While Osimhen focuses on his rehabilitation ahead of the final stretch of the Turkish season, growing indications suggest his future could lie in La Liga, as Barcelona look to secure a proven goalscorer without overextending their finances.

Final-year student allegedly tortures colleague to death over provisions

Tension has gripped Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, after a 12-year-old JSS 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, died following alleged bullying by a senior student over his refusal to share his provisions with the senior student.

It was gathered that the incident, which began before the Easter break, led to the deceased being hospitalised on Easter Sunday for a neck sprain sustained during the alleged torture.

Narrating the incident in Uyo, yesterday, a student who lived in the same hostel with the deceased, said the senior student approached him for provisions during terminal examinations, but the deceased refused, insisting he didn’t have enough to share.

“A fellow student (a senior student in SS3) asked the boy for provisions, but he refused.The student reportedly hit him on the neck, after which he went into a coma.

“He later regained consciousness in the hospital and was taken back to school. When the holiday came, the parents picked him up without being informed of any incident involving their son. Perhaps the school did not think the injury was that serious.”

The student, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said the senior descended on the deceased hitting his neck until he fainted three times before other students raised the alarm for his rescue.

He continued: “At home, the boy developed severe pains on his neck and was shouting my neck, my neck. The parents bought pain relief drugs unknown to them that the incident was more than ordinary pains.

When the pains was more severe, the father rushed the deceased to hospital where he died on Easter Sunday.

“Earlier at home, the parents said the boy started complaining of throat pain on Wednesday, and they got medication for him.

“On Saturday night, the father called some of his friends (one of whom shared this story), asking them to pray for his son, who had been taken to the hospital.

“By Sunday morning, the boy passed on. The hospital later confirmed that he died from complications associated with blood clots around his throat (neck area).”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, promised to confirm the incident but had yet to respond at press time.

However, the principal of the school, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, who confirmed the incident described it as unfortunate.

He said: “It’s an unfortunate incident, the entire school is in a mourning mood. He is our child, he is a Nigerian child. So, we are deeply touched by his demise. The school management committee will meet to discuss the matter and the circumstances of his death will be communicated.”

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased student have called on the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances leading to death of their son.

The father of the deceased who spoke to our correspondent said: “I cannot talk now. I am calling on the Federal Government to intervene for justice. I will talk at the appropriate time.”

Why Tinubu missed commissioning of Lagos bridge despite being in Lagos — Presidential Aide

The Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has explained that President Bola Tinubu was unable to attend a scheduled project inauguration in Lagos due to ongoing security briefings.

Dare disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, stating that the President prioritised national security developments over the event.

According to him, “Yes, the president is in Lagos, and I’m sure beyond the pictures, you know that the president has been busy with state matters.”

He added that recent security concerns across parts of the country required the President’s attention, noting, “You will know the last 10 days, right from the attack in Jos, we’ve seen the developments.”

Dare said Tinubu had been “busy taking constant briefs” and “has to prioritise when it comes to state matters, especially security.”

The presidential aide further explained that the President remained actively engaged with security agencies, saying he was “monitoring development, working with the intelligence community, and taking constant security briefs.”