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 fierce confrontation with Boko Haram insurgents in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, 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.
Major Anele explained that the troops engaged the insurgents in intense combat, neutralising several fighters and destroying multiple terrorist hideouts in the region.
The operation, she said, prevented what could have been a devastating attack on civilians and critical infrastructure.
Credit: dailypost.ng
