MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE —
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a Commanding Officer and several soldiers during an intense gun battle with Boko Haram insurgents in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
According to a statement released by the Directorate of Army Public Relations, troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist assault targeting military positions and civilian communities around the Kashimri general area.
Despite the successful defense, the clash resulted in the loss of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, Commanding Officer of 202 Tank Battalion, along with several other gallant troops.
Troops Foil Terrorist Advance
Military sources disclosed that the terrorists had mobilized in large numbers, attempting to breach forward operating bases near Bama. However, swift reinforcement from nearby units enabled troops to neutralize multiple insurgents, recover assorted weapons, and prevent civilian casualties.
The statement described the encounter as a fierce exchange of fire, noting that the fallen officers “fought bravely to defend their position until reinforcements arrived.”
Army Confirms Casualties, Condoles Families
In an official release, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, conveyed condolences from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to the families of the deceased personnel.
“The Nigerian Army mourns the loss of these brave officers and men who paid the supreme price in the defense of our nation. Their sacrifice will not be in vain,”
— the statement read.
The Army also appealed to the media and public to refrain from sharing graphic images of the deceased until families have been duly notified, emphasizing respect for operational ethics and the dignity of the fallen.
Operational Impact and Strategic Outlook
Security analysts say the incident reflects the persistent threat of insurgent resurgence in the Lake Chad Basin and Bama corridor, despite recent gains by Nigerian forces.
While the operation successfully disrupted terrorist activities, the loss of a senior commanding officer underscores the high-risk nature of frontline counterterrorism duties and the need for sustained logistical and intelligence support to maintain operational superiority.
The Nigerian Army has since intensified patrols and aerial surveillance in the region to forestall any retaliatory attacks.
DefenceTimesNG Assessment
The loss of Lt. Col. Paiko — a seasoned tank battalion commander — marks a significant sacrifice in Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
Analysts note that such engagements, though costly, continue to erode Boko Haram’s fighting capacity and limit their ability to coordinate large-scale attacks across Borno’s volatile axis.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the Northeast, pledging to “hunt down all terrorist remnants with precision and resolve.”
Reporting by: DefenceTimesNG Correspondents in Maiduguri and Abuja.
