The Nigerian Army has paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives during separate clashes with terrorists in Borno and Katsina states.
Reports indicate that several troops, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Captain, were killed during recent operations, although security forces also neutralised more than 45 terrorists across the two states.
Military sources revealed that the fallen Lieutenant Colonel served as the commanding officer of a battalion in Borno State. In Katsina, Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers died during an encounter with armed terrorists.
The attacks came after insurgents launched a series of assaults on military positions in parts of Borno over the past few days, leading to casualties among both soldiers and terrorists.
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, some of the fallen officers have already been buried.
The Army described the deceased personnel as brave and dedicated patriots whose sacrifices would always be remembered. It noted that the soldiers displayed exceptional courage, selflessness, and commitment to protecting the nation.
Earlier reports indicated that terrorists attacked a military base in Ngoshe, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and civilians and the abduction of more than 300 residents. Additional attempts were made by insurgents to overrun military formations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok areas of Borno between Thursday night and early Friday morning.
The military confirmed the attacks but said troops successfully repelled the assaults and killed several terrorists.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful reminder of the sacrifices required in military service. He praised the fallen troops for their bravery and dedication, noting that they gave their lives defending the nation.
Abubakar assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their sacrifices would not be forgotten and promised that all benefits due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Yabe, also extended condolences to the Armed Forces, praising the troops for their resilience and commitment to protecting the state.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, security forces killed at least 45 bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area. Among those killed were Iti, the nephew and deputy to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, and another top bandit known as Damale.
According to the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, the operation followed credible intelligence. The bandits, reportedly from Zamfara State, had earlier attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5 in an attempt to steal cattle.
Residents and repentant bandits fought back during the attack, killing four bandits and recovering the stolen livestock. The criminals later returned the following day in larger numbers but encountered soldiers stationed at the Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali, triggering a fierce confrontation that led to the deaths of 45 bandits.
Despite the successful operation, Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers lost their lives during the battle.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commended the bravery of the soldiers, stating that their sacrifice helped protect communities and disrupt criminal activities. He also extended condolences to the families of the fallen troops and assured residents that security forces would continue pursuing bandits until peace is restored across the state.
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