The Nigerian Army has confirmed losing a Lieutenant-Colonel and several soldiers to a fierce counter-operation against Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State on Friday.
While troops successfully foiled the planned attack and destroyed terrorist camps, the mission was marred with mourning as the military lost Lieutenant-Colonel Aliyu Paiko, the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, and a count of his “gallant” soldiers.
According to a statement released on Monday by Lieutenant-Colonel Appolonia Anele, the army spokesperson, the operation was launched by troops of Operation Hadin Kai based on the intelligence they received. The information disclosed that terrorists were gathering around the Kashimri area in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, orchestrating to unleash terror against the civilian communities, while disrupting socio-economic activities.
The operation, coordinated by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, saw troops swiftly move to the suspected locations.
“The troops swiftly moved to the suspected locations and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel, neutralising several of them while others fled with gunshot wounds,” stated Ms. Anele. “The operation also led to the destruction of identified Boko Haram camps.”
Although a tactical success was recorded, the army repaid with a significant cost, Lieutenant-Colonel Anele confirmed, stating that Lt.-Col. Paiko and other soldiers “paid the supreme price during the encounter.” However, the exact number of casualties remained undisclosed.
In response to the loss, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel. The COAS described the deceased as “patriots who demonstrated exceptional courage in defence of the nation.”
He further assured the public that “their sacrifices would never be in vain,” adding that “the Nigerian Army remains committed to pursuing all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace is restored in the North East and across the country.”
The army also issued an appeal to the public and the media, urging them to refrain from circulating images of the deceased personnel until their next of kin have been formally notified. This measure, the statement said, is to protect the dignity of the fallen heroes and the privacy of their grieving families.
Boko Haram Earlier Events
Earlier this month, some sections of the terrorist organization were reportedly to have invaded Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno state, forcing residents to fled their homes to a neighboring Cameroon community for safety.
The terrorists soon lit the deserted community, burning houses, shops, places of worship, vehicles, and other infrastructures.
It was also alleged that the Boko Haram terrorists moved forward to set fire, the residence of the District Head of the community, identified as Alhaji Abdulrahaman Abubakar, who also fled his home, together with other family members.
The incident was the second time in two months the terrorist organization stormed the community, launching an identical attack.