By Nkechi Eze
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has paid glowing tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty while combating insurgency in the North-East.
The solemn burial ceremony for the fallen personnel was held on Friday at the military cemetery in Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
Speaking during the ceremony, Major General Abubakar described the moment as a painful but significant reminder of the sacrifices inherent in military service. He noted that while the profession of arms often brings moments of victory and pride, it also carries profound losses that reflect the heavy price paid in defence of the nation.
According to him, the fallen troops displayed exceptional courage, dedication and selflessness in the discharge of their duties. He said their sacrifices represented a great loss not only to their immediate families but also to the theatre of operations, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country at large.
He emphasised that the deceased soldiers laid down their lives in service to the nation and the ideals they had sworn to protect, describing them as brave and loyal patriots whose sacrifices would forever remain in the nation’s memory.
The Theatre Commander added that the soldiers fought with honour and upheld the finest traditions of the military, enduring immense hardship to ensure that peace and national unity prevail.
Major General Abubakar also assured the families of the deceased that their sacrifices would not be forgotten, stating that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed without delay to support their loved ones. He further 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 at the event, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Ali Yabe, extended condolences to the Armed Forces and the Operation HADIN KAI family.
He described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the nation and praised the troops for their bravery, resilience and dedication in defending the state against insurgency.
The governor further assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support the families of fallen heroes as well as the military in its efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers from the Theatre Command Headquarters and 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, government officials, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as relatives and next of kin of the fallen soldiers.
