Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, have successfully foiled an attempted attack by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State. The operation took place on 17 October 2025.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the troops destroyed identified Boko Haram camps in the area, effectively frustrating the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt socio-economic activities.
During the operation, the troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, neutralizing several terrorists while others fled with gunshot injuries. However, the encounter also claimed the lives of some gallant soldiers, including the Commanding Officer of 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Lieutenant Colonel Anele described the fallen soldiers as brave heroes who fought valiantly for the peace and stability of Nigeria, adding that their legacies would remain a source of pride to the nation.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed officers and soldiers. He noted that the Nigerian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains resolute in honoring the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
Lieutenant General Oluyede reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to relentlessly pursue all terrorist elements until peace and normalcy are fully restored in the North East and across the country.
The Army further appealed to members of the public and the media to exercise restraint and sensitivity by refraining from sharing images of fallen personnel until their next of kin have been duly notified, in order to preserve their dignity and protect the privacy of their families.