Army Buries Soldiers Killed in Borno Operations
The Nigerian Army has laid to rest soldiers who lost their lives in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
The burial took place on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in service to the nation.
“In the profession of arms, there are moments of victory that fill us with pride, but there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily on our hearts, as we have witnessed today,” Abubakar said.
He praised the fallen soldiers for their courage, selflessness and dedication to duty, noting that their deaths were a loss not only to their families but also to the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the nation.
“They gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves – the nation, the people, and the ideals they swore to defend. They were brave, loyal, and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he added.
Abubakar further stated that the troops fought with valour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army.
“They endured hardship so that our flag would continue to fly high. Their sacrifices remind us that freedom is not free; it is secured by the steadfast resolve of patriots willing to place duty above self,” he said.
He assured the families of the deceased that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Representing Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, also extended condolences to the Armed Forces and Operation Hadin Kai.
Zulum described the deaths as a painful loss to the nation and commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience, and commitment to safeguarding the state.
He assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the families of the fallen soldiers and the military in fulfilling its constitutional duties.
The burial ceremony was attended by senior officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, government officials from Borno State, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, and families of the deceased.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
