The Nigerian Army on Monday confirmed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an attack by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group on Friday but added that some Nigerian soldiers were killed during the battle.
The Army also revealed that a lieutenant-colonel and many other soldiers were amongst those killed on Friday during the attack on Boko Haram hideout in Borno State.
The Army spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, a Lieutenant Colonel, said in a statement, that the troops successfully repelled the attack but lost some of the Nigerian soldiers during the battle.
She disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled the planned attack around Kashimri in Bama Local Government Area of Borno, killing several of the insurgents and destroying their camps.
Anele said Commanding Officer of 202 Tank Battalion, Aliyu Paiko, a lieutenant-colonel, and some other gallant soldiers, were amongst those who paid the supreme price during the encounter.
According to her, the operation took place under the coordination of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, acting on intelligence that the terrorists were regrouping to launch attacks on civilian communities and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area.
She said, “the troops swiftly moved to the suspected locations and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel, neutralising several of them while others fled with gunshot wounds.
She also revealed that the Olufemi Oloyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), had extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing them as “patriots who demonstrated exceptional courage in defence of the nation.”
“Their sacrifices would never be in vain. The Nigerian Army remains committed to pursuing all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace is restored in the North East and across the country.”, she said.
She also used the opportunity to appeal to members of the public and the media to refrain from circulating images of deceased personnel until their next of kins have been duly informed.
This, she said, is necessary to enable the army protect the dignity of the fallen heroes and the privacy of their families.
By Ojochenemi Onje @BusinessDay
