Lt-Col, captain killed as troops crush 45 terrorists

The Nigerian Army has mourned the deaths of several soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and a captain, who were killed during separate encounters with terrorists in Borno State and Katsina State.

Scores of troops were killed in recent attacks, although the military also eliminated more than 45 terrorists during operations in the two states.

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

In Katsina, a fierce gun battle with terrorists claimed the lives of Paul Hassan, a captain in the army, and two other soldiers.

The attacks came amid a series of coordinated assaults by terrorists on military positions across Borno in recent days, resulting in casualties on both sides.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Sanni Uba, some of the fallen officers had already been laid to rest.

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

Uba noted that the 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.

The attacks followed an earlier assault on a military base in Ngoshe, where both soldiers and civilians were reportedly killed and more than 300 residents abducted.

There were also heavy clashes as terrorists attempted to overrun military formations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok between Thursday night and early Friday morning.

The military confirmed the incidents but said troops successfully repelled the attacks and killed several terrorists.

Uba said the assaults occurred between about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, adding that some soldiers and an officer died while defending their positions.

“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.

Reacting to the losses, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the incident as a painful reminder of the 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,” he said.

Abubakar added that the fallen soldiers gave their lives in devotion to the nation and the ideals they swore to defend.

“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.

He assured the families of the deceased that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly.

The theatre commander also conveyed condolences from 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, Babagana Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Yabe, described the deaths as a painful loss to the nation.

He commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, assuring continued support for the military and the families of fallen personnel.

Meanwhile, in Katsina, security officials said at least 45 terrorists were killed during a major operation in Danmusa Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, said those killed included Iti, the nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, as well as another bandit leader identified as Damale.

According to the commissioner, the clash began after bandits from Zamfara State attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5 to rustle cattle.

Community members and repentant bandits resisted the attack, killing four of the assailants and recovering the stolen cattle.

The bandits reportedly returned the following day seeking revenge but encountered soldiers attached to the army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali near Maidabino A Ward, leading to a fierce battle.

“The Army successfully neutralised all 45 bandits,” the statement said.

However, the commissioner confirmed that Captain Hassan and two other soldiers were killed during the encounter.

He praised the troops for their bravery, noting that their actions saved many lives and disrupted the operations of criminal gangs in the area.

On behalf of the state governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, the government extended condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace across Katsina State.