The Nigerian Army has buried several soldiers who died while fighting insurgents in Borno State. The burial took place on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
The information was shared in a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sanni Uba.
During the ceremony, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, said the moment was a painful reminder of the sacrifices soldiers make while protecting the country.
“In the profession of arms, there are moments of victory that make us proud and show our courage and unity. But there are also difficult moments that remind us of the true cost of serving the nation, like what we are witnessing today,” Abubakar said.
He praised the fallen soldiers for their bravery and dedication to duty, saying their deaths were a major loss to their families, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country.
“They gave their lives for a cause bigger than themselves — the nation and the people they swore to protect. They were brave and loyal patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he added.
Abubakar also said the soldiers showed great courage during the operations and remained committed to their duty despite the challenges they faced.
The Theatre Commander assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He also promised that all benefits due to the fallen soldiers would be processed quickly to support their families.
He further 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 event, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed sympathy to the military and the families of the fallen soldiers.
Zulum described the deaths as a painful loss to the country and praised the soldiers for their bravery and commitment to protecting the state.
He also assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the military and the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against insurgency.
