October 20, (THEWILL) — The Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and several soldiers have been killed during an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
In a statement on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled a planned terrorist attack but suffered casualties in the fierce battle.
“Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade on 17 October 2025 successfully foiled an attack planned by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
“However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price as they fell in battle,” she said.
Anele noted that the troops located and destroyed several Boko Haram camps in the area, thwarting plans to attack civilians and disrupt socio-economic activities.
“During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gunfight, neutralised several of them, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” she added.
The army spokesperson described the fallen personnel as heroes who fought for the peace and stability of the nation, assuring that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices. Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation,” Anele said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as “fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.”
Oluyede reaffirmed the army’s determination to relentlessly pursue all terrorist elements until peace and normalcy are fully restored across the region and the country.
The army also urged the public and media organisations to refrain from sharing images of the fallen soldiers until their next of kin have been duly notified, in order to preserve their dignity and respect the privacy of their families.
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