The Nigerian Army has buried soldiers killed in action during ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, laying them to rest on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Speaking during the burial ceremony, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in service to the nation.
“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 said.
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.
“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.
Abubakar further stated that the troops fought with valour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army.
“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.
The Theatre Commander assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly to support their families.
He also conveyed 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 deceased.
Also speaking, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation Hadin Kai.
Zulum 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.
He assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support the families of the fallen soldiers as well as the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, government officials from Borno State, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and next of kin of the deceased personnel.
