The Nigerian Army on Friday buried soldiers who lost their lives while participating in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
The fallen troops were laid to rest at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
During the burial ceremony, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the event as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in the line of duty.
“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 explained that the deceased soldiers displayed courage, selflessness and steadfast dedication to their duties, noting that their deaths represent a loss not only to their immediate families but also to the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country.
“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 said the troops fought bravely and upheld the highest 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 personnel that the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers would not be in vain. He also stated that all benefits and entitlements due to them would be processed without delay to assist their families.
He also extended condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the bereaved families.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed sympathy to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation Hadin Kai.
Zulum described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss for the nation and commended the troops for their bravery, resilience and dedication to protecting the state.
He assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the families of the deceased soldiers and the military in carrying out its constitutional duties.
Senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army attended the ceremony, alongside the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, officials of the Borno State Government, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, and relatives and next of kin of the deceased soldiers.
