The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Friday paid tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, assuring that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
The solemn burial ceremony for the fallen troops was 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 price paid by members of the armed forces in the defence of the nation.
“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.
The Theatre Commander said the fallen soldiers demonstrated courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that their deaths represent not only a loss to their families but also to the theatre command, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation.
According to him, the troops gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves the defence of the nation, its people and the ideals they swore to protect.
“They were brave, loyal and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he said.
Major General Abubakar added that the fallen personnel fought with valour 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.
He also assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, noting that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly to support their families.
The Theatre Commander further 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, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation HADIN KAI over the loss.
He described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the nation and commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to protecting the state.
Zulum assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support the families of the fallen heroes and the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The burial ceremony was attended by top Borno State government officials, senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and the 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and next of kin of the deceased personnel.
