Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully foiled a planned Boko Haram assault in Kashimri, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, the Nigerian Army has confirmed.
In a statement on Monday, Appolonia Anele, acting director of army public relations, said the operation took place on October 17 under the coordination of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade.
The troops acted on intelligence indicating that terrorists were regrouping to launch attacks on civilian communities and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area.
“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,” Anele said. “The operation also led to the destruction of identified Boko Haram camps.”
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Tragically, Aliyu Paiko, commanding officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, along with a few other soldiers, were killed during the encounter.
Anele noted that Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing them as “patriots who demonstrated exceptional courage in defence of the nation.”
She further quoted him: “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.”
The army spokesperson also urged the public and media to refrain from sharing images of deceased personnel until their next of kin have been properly informed.
