Soldiers killed by terrorists in Borno laid to rest [PHOTOS]

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have buried soldiers killed during an encounter with terrorists in Borno State.

The burial ceremony took place at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri over the weekend.

In a statement, the spokesman of the operation, Sani Uba, said the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the military.

“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,” he said.

Abubakar stated that the fallen troops demonstrated courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that their deaths were not only a loss to their families but also to the theatre command, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the nation.

He said the soldiers gave their lives in devotion to the nation and the ideals they swore to defend, describing them as brave and loyal patriots whose sacrifices would not be forgotten.

According to him, the troops fought with valour and upheld the traditions of the Nigerian Army while enduring hardship in the fight against insurgents including Boko Haram.

The theatre commander assured the families of the deceased personnel that their sacrifices would not be in vain and that all entitlements due to the fallen soldiers would be processed promptly 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 families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by Mustapha Ali Yabe, the executive secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, also conveyed condolences to the Armed Forces and Operation HADIN KAI.

Zulum assured that the state government would continue to support the families of the fallen soldiers and assist the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers from the theatre command headquarters and the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, the commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, the chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and relatives of the deceased personnel.