By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The arrest of a 15-year-old suspect linked to the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah in Borno State has exposed a troubling dimension of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis—the deepening involvement of minors in terrorist operations.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that the teenager, identified as Tijjani, was apprehended by troops of Operation Hadin Kai while allegedly acting as a logistics courier for insurgents.
On April 13, 2026, reports revealed that the suspect was arrested in Ngamdu with about ₦850,000, reportedly meant for operational logistics.
He allegedly confessed to participating in attacks on military formations, including the assault on Benisheikh that led to the death of the brigadier general and other soldiers.
This development highlights a dangerous shift in insurgent tactics, where young recruits are increasingly used for intelligence gathering, logistics, and direct combat roles.
Analysts warn that the use of minors complicates both military operations and humanitarian responses, as it blurs the line between victimhood and criminality.
Beyond the arrest, the incident underscores deeper systemic issues (poverty, lack of education, and weak state presence) that continue to make vulnerable youths easy targets for radicalisation. Without addressing these root causes, security efforts may struggle to achieve lasting success.
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