• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

The Nigerian Army has mourned the death of soldiers killed by terrorists in Borno and Katsina states. Sunday PUNCH gathered that scores of soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Captain, were killed, while troops killed over 45 terrorists in different operations in the two states. Military sources disclosed that the slain colonel was the commanding officer of one of the battalions in Borno. In the Katsina attack, Capt. Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were killed by terrorists. The terrorists had launched multiple attacks on military locations across Borno in the last few days, resulting in casualties on both sides. Some of the slain officers have been laid to rest, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, on Saturday. "The Nigerian Army described the slain soldiers as brave, loyal, and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten," he added. He noted that the fallen soldiers demonstrated courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty, adding that their deaths were a loss not only to their families but also to the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the nation at large. The PUNCH on Thursday reported an attack on a military base in Ngoshe where soldiers and civilians were killed, with over 300 residents abducted. Similarly, there were heavy attacks on military formations when terrorists attempted to overrun bases on Thursday and Friday in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok areas of the state. The military had confirmed the attacks but insisted that troops thwarted the assault and that several terrorists were killed in the process. Confirming the assault in a statement on Friday morning, Uba said the desperate attacks were launched between approximately 2230 hours on Thursday and 0300 hours on Friday. He acknowledged that a number of soldiers and an officer were killed. "Regrettably, a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, including a gallant officer who fought courageously from the front while leading his troops against the attackers," he said. Speaking on Saturday, Uba, in the statement, said the Theatre Commander of the operation, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a painful reminder of the true cost of military service. "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," Abubakar was quoted as saying in the statement. He noted that the fallen troops demonstrated courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty, adding that their sacrifices were not only losses to their families but also to the theatre, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the entire nation. Abubakar said they gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves -- the nation, the people, and the ideals they swore to defend. "They were brave, loyal, and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten," he added. The Theatre Commander further stated that the troops 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. Abubakar, however, assured the families of the fallen soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all entitlements due to the deceased personnel would be processed promptly to support their families. He also 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, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Yabe, expressed condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation Hadin Kai. 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 safeguarding the state. Zulum assured that the state government would continue to support the families of the fallen heroes and the military in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. In Katsina, Hassan and the two soldiers were killed in an encounter with terrorists in the Danmusa Local Government Area of the state. However, no fewer than 45 terrorists were also killed during the gun battle, including Iti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru, and another top bandit known as Damale. This is contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, Nasir Mua'zu, made available to newsmen on Saturday in Katsina. The statement partly read, "The operation, which took place yesterday, resulted from credible intelligence gathered by security personnel. Among those killed was Iti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru. Also eliminated was another top bandit known as Damale. "The clash began when bandits from Zamfara State, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding on motorcycles, attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA on March 5. They came to steal cattle. "However, community members and repentant bandits from the area fought back. Four bandits were killed, and all the rustled cows were recovered and returned to their owners. "Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6. They ran into soldiers attached to the Army's Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali while heading towards Musawa LGA near Maidabino A Ward. What followed was an intense and fierce battle. The Army successfully neutralised all 45 bandits. "However, the victory came at a cost. Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers lost their lives in the encounter. "On behalf of the State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the government and the people of Katsina, I commend the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their actions have saved countless lives and disrupted the operations of these dangerous criminals. "We also extend condolences to the families of the deceased military personnel. Our security forces remain alert and will continue to pursue these criminals wherever they go. We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of Katsina State." Source: https://punchng.com/?p=2083745