The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko, alongside several soldiers who lost their lives while repelling a Boko Haram attack in Bama, Borno State, on October 17.
Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Monday, said the soldiers paid the ultimate price during a fierce gun battle with the insurgents.
“The encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price as they fell in battle,” she said.
Anele described the fallen troops as heroes who fought for the peace of the nation, noting that their courage and sacrifice would be remembered for generations.
“These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to honour their sacrifices as we remain resolute in eradicating terrorism from Nigeria,” she added.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, extended condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed the Army’s determination to pursue all terrorist elements relentlessly until lasting peace is achieved in the North-East and across Nigeria.
Anele also appealed to the public and the media to respect the privacy of the deceased families by refraining from circulating images of the fallen soldiers until their next of kin have been duly notified.
She explained that the incident occurred when troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, foiled an attempted Boko Haram attack around the Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government.
According to her, the troops had earlier destroyed several Boko Haram hideouts in the area, disrupting the group’s plans to target civilians and destabilize socio-economic activities.
Several insurgents were neutralized in the ensuing firefight, while others fled with injuries.
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