The Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of several Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a fierce encounter in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, even as it mourned the loss of a senior officer and a number of soldiers.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out the successful operation on October 17, targeting terrorist camps in the Kashimiri general area.
“During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun fight and neutralized several, while others suffered injuries,” Anele stated.
She added that the troops destroyed several identified Boko Haram hideouts, thwarting planned attacks on civilian populations and preventing further disruption of socio-economic activities in the region.
However, Anele confirmed that the operation came at a cost.
“The encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price, as they fell in battle,” she said.
She described the fallen personnel as heroes who fought selflessly for peace and national security, noting that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever,” she affirmed.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, honouring their courage and commitment.
“They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who expressed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief,” the COAS was quoted as saying.
Lieutenant General Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s determination to sustain its counter-terrorism operations until total peace and normalcy return to the North East and the nation at large.
The Army spokesperson further appealed to the public to avoid sharing images of fallen personnel, stressing the importance of respecting their dignity and the privacy of their families.
“This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protect the privacy of their families,” Anele added.
