Theatre Commander Honours Fallen Soldiers in Maiduguri, Vows Sacrifices Will Not Be in Vain
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has paid tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, pledging that their sacrifices for the nation will never be forgotten.
The solemn burial ceremony for the fallen troops was held on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking during the ceremony, Major General Abubakar described the occasion as a painful reminder of the immense cost associated with military service, noting that while the profession of arms is often marked by victories, it also carries moments of profound loss.
“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,” he said.
The Theatre Commander said the fallen soldiers displayed exceptional courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, adding that their deaths represent a great loss not only to their families but also to the theatre of operations, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large.
According to him, the deceased personnel laid down their lives in defence of the country and the ideals they swore to uphold, describing them as loyal and courageous patriots.
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“They gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves – the nation, the people and the ideals they swore to defend. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he said.
Major General Abubakar noted 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 added.
He assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, stating that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly to support their loved ones.
The Theatre Commander also 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.
In his remarks, 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, described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the nation.
He commended the gallantry, resilience and commitment of the troops in defending the state and protecting citizens from insurgent threats.
The governor 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 top government officials from Borno State, senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and the 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and next of kin of the deceased soldiers.
By PRNigeria
