Nigerian Army Lays to Rest Soldiers Who Died in Borno Terror Strikes

The Nigerian Army has laid to rest soldiers who lost their lives in the recent attacks carried out by terrorists in Borno State.

The deadly assaults targeted military bases located in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok during the night from Thursday into Friday.

Eyewitness reports indicated that the assailants approached the military installations from multiple directions to launch their attack.

While military sources assert that numerous insurgents were neutralized during the clashes and some casualties were incurred by the troops, specific numbers were not disclosed.

However, unofficial reports suggest that upwards of 40 soldiers were killed in the incident, including Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, the commanding officer of the 222 Battalion stationed in Konduga. Additionally, several soldiers are reportedly missing.

On Friday, some of the deceased soldiers were interred at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery, located in Maiduguri.

Sani Uba, the army spokesperson for the region, confirmed that Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, was present to pay his respects at the burial.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Major General Abubakar emphasized the significance of the occasion as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces.

He praised the fallen soldiers for their bravery and steadfastness in defending the nation, asserting that their deaths signify a tremendous loss not only for their families but also for the Nigerian Army and the entire nation.

He assured bereaved families of their entitlement to benefits and pledged military support to them.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State was also represented by Mustapha Yabe, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, who expressed condolences to both the military and families affected by the tragedy. He deemed the losses as a grievous blow to the nation and vowed ongoing governmental support for the military and families of the fallen.

Recently, Borno State has seen a resurgence in hostility, encompassing kidnappings for ransom among other violence.

This wave of aggression followed a notable attack in Ngoshe, situated in the Gwoza Local Government Area, where multiple soldiers and civilians were killed, alongside numerous abductions.

The Nigerian Army later stated that they killed over 50 insurgents in response to the attacks.

Additionally, an unidentified group has claimed responsibility for the latest violence, threatening to expand their campaign against local communities and promising to enslave some of the captives.

On the same Saturday, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, arrived in Maiduguri for an operational inspection alongside other senior military officials amid rising security issues in the area.