Army mourns as terrorists kill Lt-Col, captain in Borno, Katsina

 The Nigerian Army is grieving the loss of several brave officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in separate confrontations with terrorists in Borno and Katsina states.

In a somber acknowledgment of these recent setbacks, the military confirmed that a lieutenant colonel and a captain, along with other troops, were killed while defending their positions and communities against armed insurgents. 

In Borno State, where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to pose a serious threat, terrorists carried out multiple attacks on military locations over the past few days. One particularly heavy engagement occurred in the Konduga area, where troops from the 222 Battalion faced an ambush. Lt. Col. S.I. Iliyasu, the commanding officer of the battalion, was among those who paid the supreme price. Reports indicate that the attackers targeted the base, leading to fierce fighting that resulted in casualties on both sides. While the army has pushed back against exaggerated claims such as unverified reports suggesting over 40 soldiers died the service acknowledged that a commanding officer and several courageous soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty. Their actions, according to military statements, helped prevent further attacks on nearby communities and limited the terrorists' ability to cause widespread harm.

The army described these fallen heroes as individuals who stood firm in the face of danger, embodying the commitment and resilience that define Nigeria's armed forces. Operation Hadin Kai, the ongoing counter-insurgency effort in the northeast, has repeatedly emphasized that such sacrifices are part of the broader struggle to restore peace and stability to affected areas.

Meanwhile, in Katsina State, a different but equally intense clash unfolded in the Danmusa Local Government Area. Terrorists often referred to locally as bandits launched an assault following an earlier incident in which they rustled cattle from Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA. Troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a prolonged gun battle near a forward operating base in the Dan Ali area close to Maidabino ward.

In the course of the firefight, the soldiers successfully neutralized 45 of the assailants, dealing a significant blow to the group. However, the victory came at a heavy cost: Capt. Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were killed during the encounter. Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, confirmed the details in an official statement, praising the troops for their bravery and resolve.

On behalf of Governor Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the commissioner extended condolences to the families of the fallen and commended the military for their unwavering dedication. He underscored that operations like this demonstrate the determination of both state and federal authorities to root out criminal elements terrorizing rural communities.

These back-to-back losses have deepened the sense of mourning within the Nigerian Army and across the nation. The service has reiterated its commitment to honoring the memory of these officers and men by continuing the fight with renewed vigor. Families of the deceased are receiving support, and tributes have begun to pour in from colleagues, government officials, and ordinary citizens who recognize the daily risks shouldered by those in uniform.

The incidents serve as a great reminder of the persistent security threats in parts of Nigeria. In the northeast, years of insurgency have displaced communities and claimed countless lives, while in the northwest, banditry fueled by cattle rustling, kidnapping, and resource conflicts has turned many areas into danger zones. Military authorities maintain that sustained operations, community cooperation, and strategic pressure on terrorist networks remain essential to turning the tide.

As the nation reflects on these sacrifices, there is a shared resolve to support the troops and ensure their efforts lead to lasting peace. The fallen Lt. Col. S.I. Iliyasu, Capt. Paul Hassan, and their comrades will be remembered for their courage in confronting threats that endanger innocent lives. Their service and ultimate sacrifice features the high price paid in the defense of Nigeria's sovereignty and the safety of its people.