By Bavoriat Clara
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has paid tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives while serving in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
The tribute was delivered during a solemn burial ceremony held at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State. In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the ceremony honoured the gallant personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Speaking during the ceremony, Major General Abubakar described the event as a painful reminder of the sacrifices required in military service. He noted that while the profession of arms often celebrates victories that reflect courage and unity, it also carries moments of deep sorrow when brave personnel fall in the line of duty.
He said the fallen soldiers demonstrated exceptional courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting the nation. According to him, 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 entire country.
The Theatre Commander added that the troops fought with valour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian military, enduring hardship so that the nation’s flag would continue to fly high. He stressed that their sacrifices serve as a reminder that the nation’s freedom is secured by patriots who place duty above personal interest.
Major General Abubakar assured the families of the deceased personnel that their sacrifices would not be in vain, noting that all benefits and entitlements due to them would be processed promptly to support their loved ones. He also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Also speaking at the ceremony, 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, expressed sympathy to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation HADIN KAI over the loss.
The governor 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 lives and property in the state.
He assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support the families of the fallen heroes as well as the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The 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 next of kin of the fallen personnel.
admin