The Senate has expressed condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, following the tragic deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Paiko and several other soldiers in Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the lawmakers described the fallen soldiers as heroes who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage, and patriotism.
“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Army, I extend our heartfelt condolences to you, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the gallant officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” the statement read in part.
The committee assured the Nigerian Army of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare and well-being of troops, pledging to provide the necessary resources and support to sustain peace and security across the nation.
It also extended its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, praying that Almighty Allah grants the fallen soldiers Jannatul Firdaus and comforts their loved ones in this difficult period.
“May their sacrifice never be in vain, and may their memory continue to inspire us to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” the statement added.
Lieutenant Colonel Paiko and several other courageous soldiers lost their lives on 17 October 2025 while repelling a Boko Haram attack around the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government in Borno State.
According to the Nigerian Army, troops under the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, successfully foiled the assault. In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, the army described the fallen officers as “brave heroes who fought for the peace of our great nation and whose legacies will endure forever.”