The National Assembly on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, and several soldiers ambushed by terrorists in Borno State.
In a condolence statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the Senate Committee on Army described the fallen personnel as “gallant patriots who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.”
“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Army, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the gallant officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Yar’Adua stated.
He assured the Nigerian Army of the legislature’s unwavering support, pledging that the Senate would continue to work towards improving the welfare and operational resources of troops combating insecurity across the country.
The committee also prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, asking Almighty Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus and comfort their bereaved families.
“May their sacrifice never be in vain, and may their memory continue to inspire us to work for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” it added.
Earlier, the Nigerian Army confirmed the death of Lt. Col. Paiko and other soldiers during a fierce encounter with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists around the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area.
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade successfully repelled a planned insurgent attack on October 17, 2025, but suffered casualties.
“Sadly, 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,” Anele said.
She noted that the troops neutralised several terrorists and destroyed their hideouts during the operation.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices,” she added, urging the public to refrain from sharing distressing images of the fallen personnel to preserve their dignity and protect their families’ privacy.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, also mourned the loss, describing the deceased as “not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.”
Military sources disclosed that the ambushed troops were on a clearance operation when they came under heavy fire.
Despite putting up fierce resistance, Paiko and several of his men were overwhelmed by superior enemy firepower.
The attack adds to a string of deadly incidents in the North-East.
In September, suspected Boko Haram fighters invaded Darajamal, killing 58 civilians and five soldiers.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who visited the scene, confirmed that 63 people, including civilians and military personnel, lost their lives.
Similarly, terrorists recently launched an assault on the 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, another Bama community, killing one soldier and five civilians. Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the incident but maintained that troops repelled the attackers and held their position.
Until his death, Lt. Col. Paiko was widely regarded as a courageous and disciplined officer with a distinguished record in counterinsurgency operations.
His death and that of his men have been described as a devastating loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation.