The Nigerian Army has buried soldiers who were killed during ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
The fallen troops were laid to rest on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba.
Speaking during the burial ceremony, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the event as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in defence of the country.
“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,” Abubakar said.
“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 added.
Abubakar noted that the fallen soldiers displayed courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication while serving the 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.
“They were brave, loyal and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
The theatre commander further stated that the soldiers fought with bravery and upheld the traditions of the Nigerian Army.
“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 said.
Abubakar also assured the families of the deceased personnel that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all entitlements due to the fallen soldiers would be processed promptly.
He conveyed 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, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed condolences to the military and the families of the deceased.
Zulum described the loss as painful and commended the troops for their courage and dedication to protecting the state.
He assured that the Borno State Government would continue supporting both the military and the families of fallen soldiers.
The burial ceremony was attended by senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, government officials from Borno State, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as relatives of the deceased soldiers.
