The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Friday paid tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, vowing that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The fallen troops were laid to rest during a solemn burial ceremony held at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abubakar described the moment as a painful reminder of the true cost of military service, noting that while the profession of arms brings moments of pride and victory, it also carries the heavy burden of loss.
He said the deceased soldiers demonstrated courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, stressing that their deaths were not only a loss to their families but also to the Joint Task Force, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large.
According to him, the fallen troops gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves — defending 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.
Abubakar added that the soldiers 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.
The theatre commander also assured the families of the deceased personnel that all entitlements due to them would be processed promptly to support their loved ones.
He extended 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 ceremony, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation HADIN KAI.
Zulum 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.
He assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the families of the fallen heroes and the military in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The burial ceremony was attended by senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, government officials from Borno State, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and next of kin of the deceased personnel.
Discover more from Inside Abuja Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
