Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted a planned attack by Boko Haram terrorists around Kashimri in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising several insurgents and destroying their camps.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to Anele, the operation, coordinated by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, took place on October 17 following credible intelligence that the terrorists were regrouping to launch attacks on civilian communities and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area.
She said, “The troops swiftly moved to the suspected locations and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel, neutralising several of them while others fled with gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the destruction of identified Boko Haram camps.”
Anele, however, confirmed that the Commanding Officer of 202 Tank Battalion, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Paiko, and a few other gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter.
She noted that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had extended his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing them as “patriots who demonstrated exceptional courage in defence of the nation.”
Quoting the COAS, she said, “Their sacrifices would never be in vain. The Nigerian Army remains committed to pursuing all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace is restored in the North East and across the country.”
Anele also appealed to the public and the media to refrain from circulating images of deceased personnel until their next of kin have been duly informed, stressing that the measure is to protect the dignity of the fallen heroes and the privacy of their families.
