The Nigerian Army has mourned the deaths of several soldiers killed during separate clashes with terrorists in Borno State and Katsina State, describing the fallen personnel as brave patriots who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
Military sources disclosed that scores of soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Captain, lost their lives in the attacks, while troops also killed more than 45 terrorists during operations carried out across the two states.
According to the sources, the slain colonel served as the commanding officer of one of the battalions operating in Borno State.
In Katsina, an encounter between troops and armed bandits led to the death of Paul Hassan, a Captain in the army, alongside two other soldiers.
The terrorists had reportedly launched multiple attacks on military positions across Borno in recent days, leading to casualties on both sides.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Sanni Uba, said some of the fallen officers had already been laid to rest.
Uba stated that the soldiers demonstrated courage, loyalty and dedication while defending the country.
“The Nigerian Army described the slain soldiers as brave, loyal and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he said.
The statement followed earlier reports of a terrorist attack on a military base in Ngoshe, where soldiers and civilians were killed and more than 300 residents were abducted.
Additional attacks were also recorded in several parts of Borno, including Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok, where insurgents attempted to overrun military formations.
Uba said the attacks occurred between approximately 2230 hours on Thursday and 0300 hours on Friday, adding that troops successfully repelled the assaults and eliminated several terrorists.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the loss of the soldiers as a painful reminder of the sacrifices required in military service.
“In the profession of arms, there are moments of victory that fill us with pride and affirm the strength, courage and unity that define our service,” he said.
“Yet there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily on our hearts and remind us of the true cost of service.”
He added that the fallen troops demonstrated selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that their sacrifices were a loss to their families, the army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation.
Abubakar assured that all entitlements due to the deceased soldiers would be processed promptly to support their families.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, through the Executive Secretary of the State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Yabe, expressed condolences to the Armed Forces and praised the bravery of the troops.
In Katsina, authorities confirmed that at least 45 bandits were killed during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, said those killed included Iti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, as well as another bandit leader known as Damale.
He added that the confrontation began after bandits launched an attack on Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on 5 March, attempting to steal cattle.
While the military succeeded in neutralising the attackers, the operation resulted in the loss of three soldiers, including Captain Hassan.
Officials in Katsina praised the troops for their bravery, stating that their actions saved lives and disrupted the operations of criminal groups in the region.
