Army mourns 202 tank battalion commander, troops killed in Borno ambush
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, along with several soldiers, following a deadly confrontation with Boko Haram insurgents in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
In a statement released on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a planned terrorist attack but suffered heavy casualties in the process.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, on October 17, 2025, thwarted an attempted assault by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area. Unfortunately, the encounter came at a cost, as the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other gallant soldiers paid the supreme price,” the statement read.
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Major Anele noted that the troops engaged the insurgents in intense combat, neutralising several fighters and destroying multiple terrorist hideouts in the region. The operation, she added, prevented what could have been a major attack on civilians and critical infrastructure.
She commended the troops’ bravery, stating that their efforts frustrated the terrorists’ plans to disrupt peace and socio-economic activities in Bama and its neighbouring communities. Some fleeing insurgents reportedly sustained gunshot wounds as the troops maintained operational dominance.
The Army described the fallen officers as heroes who gave their lives defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.
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“The Nigerian Army deeply mourns these courageous men. Their sacrifices embody the spirit of service and patriotism. We will continue to honour their memory as we intensify efforts to eradicate terrorism from our nation,” Major Anele said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed exceptional courage in the face of danger.
Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining the offensive against all terrorist elements until lasting peace is achieved in the North-East and across Nigeria.
The Army also appealed to the public and media outlets to refrain from sharing images of the fallen soldiers until their families have been duly notified, to respect their privacy and preserve their dignity.
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