The attack was carried out early on Thursday and was repelled, but is described as part of a continuing violent insurgency in the country's northeast.
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the general's death and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, while promising that the fight against terrorism would continue. No exact death toll from the attack on the base was given.
The region is plagued by a long-running conflict with jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as other armed groups. The violence has escalated, with armed groups from the Sahel region also taking part. Thousands of people have been killed, according to the UN.
