The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Friday paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives while fighting insurgency in Borno State.
The fallen troops were laid to rest during a solemn burial ceremony held at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
Speaking during the ceremony, Major General Abubakar described the moment as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the defence of the nation.
According to him, while the military often celebrates victories on the battlefield, occasions like this reflect the true cost of service and the courage of those who gave their lives for the country.
He said the fallen soldiers displayed bravery, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that their deaths represent a great loss not only to their families but also to the theatre command, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation.
“They gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves – the nation, the people and the ideals they swore to defend,” he said.
Major General Abubakar added that the troops fought with honour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“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 stated.
The Theatre Commander also assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, promising that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly to support their loved ones.
He 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 fallen heroes.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the nation.
He commended the troops for their courage, resilience and commitment to protecting the people of Borno State.
Zulum also assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the families of the fallen soldiers and the military in carrying out its constitutional duties.
The burial ceremony was attended by top officials of the Borno State Government, senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and relatives of the deceased soldiers.
