Maina Maaji Lawan briefly collapsed on Thursday during the burial ceremony of 12 Nigerian soldiers killed in counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
The fallen troops, three lieutenant colonels and nine other ranks, were laid to rest with full military honours at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri on Thursday.
The soldiers died during recent clashes with insurgents linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province in parts of the state.
Witnesses said the former governor, who appeared overwhelmed by emotion during the solemn ceremony, suddenly collapsed while the burial procession was ongoing. He was quickly assisted by people at the venue and regained consciousness after being given water to break his fast. He was later reported to be stable.
The burial, held between 10:00 a.m. and noon under tight security, was attended by senior military officers and officials of the Borno State Government. The troops were buried according to their religious rites, nine Muslims and three Christians.
The state government also announced financial support for the bereaved families, pledging N5 million to each of the three lieutenant colonels’ families and N1 million to the families of the other fallen soldiers.
The Nigerian Army honoured the deceased personnel as heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting insurgency in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai
