The Nigerian Army on Friday laid to rest soldiers who were killed in action during ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.

The burial ceremony took place at the military cemetery in Maimalari Military Cantonment, where colleagues, family members and government officials gathered to pay their final respects to the fallen personnel.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East under Operation Hadin Kai.

During the solemn ceremony, the Theatre Commander of the operation, Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in the defence of the nation.

“In the profession of arms, there are moments of victory that fill us with pride and affirm the strength, courage and unity that define our service,” he said. “Yet there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily on our hearts and remind us of the true cost of service, as we have witnessed today.”

The theatre commander praised the fallen soldiers for their bravery, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that their loss was deeply felt not only by their families but also by the military institution and the nation at large.

According to him, the troops died defending the country and protecting innocent citizens from terrorist threats in the North-East.

“They gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves — the nation, the people and the ideals they swore to defend. They were brave, loyal and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Abubakar added.

He further emphasised that the soldiers fought with valour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army during operations against insurgent groups in the region.

Abubakar also assured the families of the deceased that all benefits and entitlements due to the fallen personnel would be processed without delay to provide necessary support.

Condolences were also conveyed on behalf of the Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the bereaved families.

Representing the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.

Yabe commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to protecting lives and property across the state despite persistent security challenges.

He assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support the families of fallen soldiers as well as the military in its ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

The burial ceremony was attended by senior officers from the headquarters of the Theatre Command and the 7 Division Nigerian Army, as well as the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade.

Government officials from Borno State, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, and families and next of kin of the deceased soldiers were also present to witness the final honours accorded to the fallen heroes.

The ceremony underscored the continuing human cost of the fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, where troops remain engaged in sustained operations to dismantle terrorist networks and secure communities.