Amid renewed attacks in Borno State, the Nigerian Army has buried personnel who lost their lives during recent assaults on military formations.
The burial ceremony was held following coordinated attacks on military bases in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok late Thursday and early Friday. Military sources said several personnel were killed in the incidents, while others were reported missing.
Among the fallen was Lieutenant Colonel S. I. Iliyasu, the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion in Konduga. Some of the deceased were interred on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cemetery within the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri.
According to a statement by the theatre spokesperson, Sani Uba, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Abubakar described the deaths as a painful loss and commended the courage and dedication of the soldiers, saying their sacrifice in defending the nation would not be forgotten. He extended condolences to their families and assured them of the military’s support, including the timely payment of entitlements.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Yabe, also attended the burial. He expressed sympathy to the Army and the families of the victims, describing the losses as a tragedy for the state and the country, and reaffirmed continued government support for security operations.
The latest attacks come amid a resurgence of violence in parts of Borno State, including kidnappings and assaults on communities. Earlier incidents in areas such as Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area also resulted in casualties and abductions, prompting follow-up military operations.
Military authorities later reported that dozens of insurgents were neutralised during counter-offensives.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that a group has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks and issued threats of further violence.
In response to the security situation, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, arrived in Maiduguri on Saturday for an operational assessment visit with senior military officers to review ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
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