Soldiers slain during ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Borno State have been buried by the Nigerian Army.
At Maiduguri’s Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery, the fallen soldiers were laid to rest on Friday.
Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, the Joint Task Force North-East’s Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, revealed the development in a statement released on Saturday.
Speaking during the funeral, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, called the event a bitter reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel.
“In the profession of arms, there are moments of victory that fill us with pride and affirm the strength, courage, and unity that define our service,” he declared.
“But, as we have seen today, there are also somber moments that weigh heavily on our hearts and serve as a reminder of the true cost of service.”
According to Abubakar, while defending the country, the fallen troops showed bravery, loyalty, and commitment to duty.
“They devoted their life to a cause bigger than themselves, the country, the people, and the principles they vowed to uphold. He declared, “The sacrifices made by these brave, devoted, and courageous patriots will never be forgotten.”
The troops upheld the Nigerian Army’s traditions while fighting with bravery, the theater commander continued.
“They persevered through adversity to keep our flag flying high. Their sacrifices serve as a reminder that freedom is not free; rather, it is safeguarded by the unwavering determination of patriots who are prepared to put duty before self-interest, he stated.
The families of the slain troops were also reassured by him that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
In order to help their families, Abubakar promised that all benefits and entitlements owed to the departed employees will be processed as soon as possible.
Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum offered condolences to the military forces on behalf of Mustapha Ali Yabe, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund.
Zulum praised the military for their dedication to bringing peace back to the state and called the deaths a terrible loss to the nation.
Additionally, he promised that the Borno State Government would keep helping the troops and the families of the slain soldiers.
Senior officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and the Nigerian Army’s 7 Division attended the funeral.
The Chairman of the Damboa Local Government Area, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, representatives from the Borno State Government, and the families and surviving relatives of the fallen troops were also present.
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