Troops Crush Boko Haram Attack in Bama, Lose Commanding Officer in Fierce Clash
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a major attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents in a fierce gun battle that also claimed the life of a commanding officer and some soldiers.
The encounter, which occurred on Friday, followed intelligence that the terrorists were regrouping around Kashimri general area of Bama to launch coordinated assaults on civilians and disrupt social and economic activities.
Acting swiftly, troops under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade of Operation Hadin Kai stormed the identified camps, engaging the insurgents in a heavy exchange of fire. The offensive led to the destruction of several Boko Haram hideouts and neutralisation of many of the fighters, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
However, the troops suffered casualties, including the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, who was killed in action alongside a few other soldiers.
Military sources described Paiko as a gallant commander who led his men from the front lines.
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“He was fearless and determined to finish the job. He paid the ultimate price doing what he loved — defending the nation,” a source said.
Confirming the development in a statement, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Nigerian Army had foiled the planned attack and maintained control of the area.
Anele added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing their deaths as a painful but noble sacrifice.
> “They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the Army chief stated.
Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s determination to pursue terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace and stability are restored to the region and the nation at large.
The statement further urged the public and media outlets to respect the privacy of the deceased personnel’s families by refraining from sharing images of fallen soldiers until their next of kin are officially informed.
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By PRNigeria
