The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, along with several soldiers, following a deadly ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Kashimri, Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

In a statement released on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the insurgents’ attempted assault but suffered significant casualties during the operation.

According to Major Anele, the soldiers engaged the terrorists in an intense gun battle, killing several of them and destroying their hideouts. She added that the troops’ swift response prevented a major attack on civilians and infrastructure within the Bama region.

“The Commanding Officer and a few other gallant soldiers paid the supreme price,” she said. “Their bravery frustrated the terrorists’ plans to destabilize peace and economic activities in the area. Some of the insurgents fled with gunshot wounds as our forces maintained operational control.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing them as “heroes who demonstrated courage and dedication to the nation.” He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to intensify operations against insurgents until lasting peace is achieved in the North-East.