MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — The Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Paiko, and several other soldiers have been killed in a fierce encounter with Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian Army confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, October 17, 2025, in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area.
Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Appolonia Anele, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai were on a mission to clear terrorist camps when they successfully foiled a planned attack by the insurgents.
“The encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price as they fell in battle,” the statement read.
Anele noted that during the gunfight, troops neutralized several terrorists, while others escaped with injuries. The operation also led to the destruction of multiple Boko Haram camps, disrupting the insurgents’ plans to attack civilians.
Describing the fallen soldiers as heroes who fought for national peace, the army assured that their legacies would be remembered. “Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation,” the statement added.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as “fathers, brothers, and sons who showed immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.” He reaffirmed the army’s determination to relentlessly pursue all terrorist elements until peace is fully restored.
The army also urged the public and the media to refrain from sharing images of the fallen soldiers until their next of kin have been formally notified, in order to preserve their dignity and the privacy of their families.
Share On:
CLICK HERE TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC/VIDEO