By Harriet Tornguvan
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has paid tribute to officers and soldiers who died in the line of duty, assuring that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
The solemn burial ceremony for the fallen troops was held at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking during the ceremony, Major General Abubakar described the occasion as a painful reminder of the true cost of military service and the sacrifices made by personnel defending the nation.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Theatre Commander noted that while the military often celebrates victories on the battlefield, moments like the burial of fallen comrades highlight the price paid in service to the nation.
“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, as we have witnessed today, he said.
Major General Abubakar described the deceased soldiers as courageous and dedicated patriots who demonstrated selflessness and unwavering commitment to duty.
He noted that their deaths were not only painful to their families but also to Operation HADIN KAI, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire country.
According to him, the troops gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves defending the nation, protecting its people and upholding the ideals they swore to serve.
“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 said.
He added that the fallen heroes endured immense hardship to ensure that peace and stability prevail, stressing that their sacrifices serve as a reminder that freedom is secured through the dedication of patriots willing to place duty above personal comfort.
The Theatre Commander also assured the families of the fallen soldiers that their sacrifices would not be in vain, adding that all entitlements due to the deceased personnel would be processed promptly to support their loved ones.
He further conveyed condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the bereaved families.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, expressed condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation HADIN KAI over the loss of the soldiers.
He described the deaths as a painful loss to the nation and commended the troops for their bravery, resilience and dedication to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
The governor assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support both the families of the fallen heroes and the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials from Borno State, top military officers from the Headquarters Theatre Command and the 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and next of kin of the deceased soldiers.
