By Adesina Soyooye
Boko Haram terrorists have heaped tragedy on the head of the Nigerian Army.
They ambushed and killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, as well as a number of soldiers. This was during a violent confrontation in Kashimri, a community within Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Army has confirmed the brutal attack.
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations ,Lt Col. Appolonia Anele
troops under Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an attempted attack by Boko Haram fighters on October 17, 2025 , but suffered casualties in the process.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, on 17 October 2025, successfully foiled a planned attack by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State,” the statement read.
“However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price as they fell in battle.”
Anele said the troops launched a counteroffensive which led to the destruction of several Boko Haram camps and thus thereby frustrated their plans to attack communities.
“During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gunfight, neutralised several, while others fled with injuries,” she stated.
The Army Spokesperson commended the courage of the fallen soldiers, and described them as “heroes who gave their lives for the peace and stability of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices. Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation,” she added.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.
The Chief described the fallen Commander and his men as “fathers, brothers, and sons who demonstrated immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.”
He emphasized the Army’s determination to be relentless in pursuing terrorist groups until peace and normalcy return to Borno State and the North-East Zone.
He lamented the posting of the images of the fallen soldiers on social media and asked for consideration and compassion for their next of kin and wait till they are informed, so as to preserve their dignity and respect for their families.
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