The Nigerian Army has laid to rest soldiers who lost their lives during ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State. The burial ceremony took place on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba.
During the ceremony, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the event as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces while serving the country.
“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 stated that the deceased soldiers displayed bravery, selflessness and unwavering commitment to duty, noting that their deaths represent a great loss to their families, 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 also noted that the fallen troops fought with courage and maintained 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 further assured the families of the deceased that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all benefits and entitlements due to the fallen soldiers would be processed without delay to support 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, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, sympathised with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation Hadin Kai.
Zulum described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the country and praised the troops for their bravery, resilience and dedication to protecting the state.
He also assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the families of the fallen soldiers and the military in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
The burial ceremony was attended by senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, officials of the Borno State Government, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as relatives and next of kin of the deceased soldiers.