The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has vowed that the sacrifices of soldiers who died in the line of duty will not be in vain.
Abubakar made the pledge during a solemn burial ceremony held on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on March 6, 2026, by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
Speaking at the ceremony, the theatre commander described the event as a painful reminder of the true cost of military service.
“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. Yet there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily on our hearts and remind us of the true cost of service,” he said.
Abubakar said the fallen soldiers displayed courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to the nation, stressing that their deaths represent a great loss not only to their families but also to the theatre command, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country at large.
“They were brave, loyal and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. They fought with valour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he added.
The theatre commander noted that the troops endured extreme hardship while defending the nation and protecting its sovereignty.
“Their sacrifices remind us that freedom is not free; it is secured by the steadfast resolve of patriots willing to place duty above self,” he stated.
Abubakar assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed promptly to support their loved ones.
He also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the families of the fallen heroes.
Also speaking, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed sympathy to the Armed Forces and Operation HADIN KAI over the loss.
Zulum described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the nation and commended troops for their gallantry and resilience in safeguarding Borno State and the country.
He assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the families of the fallen soldiers and the military in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The burial ceremony was attended by senior military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and relatives of the deceased personnel.
