By Fatima Mukhtar
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully crushed a major Boko Haram attack in Kashimri, near Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to multiple reports including PRNigeria and Premium Times, the troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 202 Tank Battalion engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle that left several insurgents dead and their camps destroyed.
However, the victory came at a heavy cost as the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, alongside several soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), lost their lives during the encounter.
Military sources said the troops had stormed the terrorist hideouts following credible intelligence that Boko Haram fighters were regrouping in the area to launch fresh attacks. After successfully neutralizing many of them and dismantling their camps, the troops were ambushed while returning to base.
A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, leading to the tragic death of the commanding officer and others.
In a statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, described the fallen soldiers as heroes who paid the ultimate price to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty. He expressed condolences to their families and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in the North East.
Bama, once a major stronghold of Boko Haram, has witnessed several attacks since the insurgency began in 2009. Despite the military’s significant gains in reclaiming territories, remnants of the terrorist group continue to launch sporadic attacks on troops and civilians in the region.
The military has since intensified operations in Bama and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and ensure lasting peace in the area.
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