ARMY MOURNS LT. COL., CAPTAIN, OTHER SOLDIERS KILLED IN BORNO, KATSINA ATTACKS

By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Nigerian Army has mourned soldiers killed during recent terrorist attacks in Borno and Katsina states.

It was gathered that several soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Captain, lost their lives, while troops killed more than 45 terrorists in separate operations across the two states.

Military sources disclosed that the slain lieutenant colonel was the commanding officer of one of the battalions in Borno.

In the Katsina incident, Capt. Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were killed during an encounter with terrorists.

The terrorists had launched multiple attacks on military positions across Borno in recent days, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Some of the fallen officers have since been buried, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba.

“The Nigerian Army described the slain soldiers as brave, loyal, and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he added.

He said the fallen soldiers displayed courage, selflessness and unwavering 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.

On Thursday, there were reports of an attack on a military base in Ngoshe where soldiers and civilians were killed, while more than 300 residents were reportedly abducted.

There were also heavy assaults on military formations when terrorists attempted to overrun bases on Thursday and Friday in the Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok areas of the state.

The military confirmed the attacks but maintained that troops repelled the assaults and killed several terrorists during the engagements.

Confirming the attacks in a statement on Friday morning, Uba said the assaults occurred between about 2230 hours on Thursday and 0300 hours on Friday.

He acknowledged that some soldiers and an officer were killed during the confrontations.

“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 said the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the incident 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.

He added that the fallen troops demonstrated courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that their sacrifices were losses not only to their families but also to the theatre, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the 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.

“They were brave, loyal, and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he added.

The Theatre Commander further stated that the troops fought with valour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“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.

Abubakar also assured the families of the fallen soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, noting that all entitlements due to the deceased personnel would be processed promptly to support their families.

He extended condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the families of the fallen soldiers.

Also speaking, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Yabe, expressed condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation Hadin Kai.

He described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the nation and commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to safeguarding the state.

Zulum assured that the state government would continue to support the families of the fallen heroes and the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

In Katsina, Hassan and the two soldiers were killed during a clash with terrorists in Danmusa Local Government Area.

However, no fewer than 45 terrorists were also killed during the gun battle, including Iti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru, and another top bandit known as Damale.

This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Katsina State, Nasir Mua’zu.

The statement read in part, “The operation, which took place yesterday, resulted from credible intelligence gathered by security personnel. Among those killed was Iti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru. Also eliminated was another top bandit known as Damale.

“The clash began when bandits from Zamfara State, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding on motorcycles, attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA on March 5. They came to steal cattle.

“However, community members and repentant bandits from the area fought back. Four bandits were killed, and all the rustled cows were recovered and returned to their owners.

“Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6. They ran into soldiers attached to the Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali while heading towards Musawa LGA near Maidabino A Ward. What followed was an intense and fierce battle. The Army successfully neutralised all 45 bandits.

“However, the victory came at a cost. Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers lost their lives in the encounter.

“On behalf of the State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the government and the people of Katsina, I commend the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their actions have saved countless lives and disrupted the operations of these dangerous criminals.

“We also extend condolences to the families of the deceased military personnel. Our security forces remain alert and will continue to pursue these criminals wherever they go. We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of Katsina State.”