Troops
The Nigerian Army has mourned the death of soldiers killed by terrorists in Borno and Katsina states.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that scores of soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Captain, were killed, while troops killed over 45 terrorists in different operations in the two states.
Military sources disclosed that the slain colonel was the commanding officer of one of the battalions in Borno.
In the Katsina attack, Capt. Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were killed by terrorists.
The terrorists had launched multiple attacks on military locations across Borno in the last few days, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Some of the slain officers have been laid to rest, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, on Saturday.
“The Nigerian Army described the slain soldiers as brave, loyal, and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he added.
He noted that the fallen soldiers demonstrated courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty, adding 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 at large.
The PUNCH on Thursday reported an attack on a military base in Ngoshe where soldiers and civilians were killed, with over 300 residents abducted.
Similarly, there were heavy attacks on military formations when terrorists attempted to overrun bases on Thursday and Friday in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok areas of the state.
The military had confirmed the attacks but insisted that troops thwarted the assault and that several terrorists were killed in the process.
Confirming the assault in a statement on Friday morning, Uba said the desperate attacks were launched between approximately 2230 hours on Thursday and 0300 hours on Friday.
He acknowledged that a number of soldiers and an officer were killed.
“Regrettably, a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, including a gallant officer who fought courageously from the front while leading his troops against the attackers,” he said. Speaking on Saturday, Uba, in the statement, said the Theatre Commander of the operation, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a painful reminder of the true cost of 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. Yet there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily on our hearts and remind us of the true cost of service, as we have witnessed today,” Abubakar was quoted as saying in the statement.
He noted that the fallen troops demonstrated courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty, adding that their sacrifices were not only losses to their families but also to the theatre, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the entire nation.
Abubakar said they gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves — the nation, the people, and the ideals they swore to defend. Punch
