The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a senior officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, along with other soldiers, were killed in a recent firefight with terrorists in Borno State and referred to them as “brave heroes” who sacrificed their lives for national peace.
In a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Lt-Col. Appolonia Anele, Commanding Officer 202 Tank Battalion and a few of his men died in a bloody confrontation with Boko Haram fighters on October 17, 2025.
Anele explained that troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade were able to successfully foil a planned terrorist attack near the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
She said the troops neutralized and obliterated several Boko Haram hideouts, forestalling the terrorists’ attempts to attack civilians and disrupt economic activities. But the operation was expensive because Lieutenant Colonel Paiko and a few other brave soldiers lost their lives in action.
“These brave heroes fought for our country’s peace, and their legacies will last forever,” the message read.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, condoled the families of the soldiers who died and eulogized them as fathers, brothers, and sons who exemplified valor in the face of adversity.
He restated the Nigerian Army’s determination to chase terrorist groups doggedly until there is peace and normalcy across the country.
The Army also appealed to members of the general public and media to desist from publicizing photographs of dead soldiers before their next of kin have been properly notified, to preserve their dignity and respect the privacy of their families.
