Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, have successfully foiled an attempted attack by Boko Haram insurgents around Kashimri in Bama Local Government Council of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations. The operation was conducted on October 17, 2025, following intelligence that led troops to locate and destroy terrorist hideouts in the area.
According to the statement, the offensive disrupted the insurgents’ plans to launch coordinated attacks on civilian communities and destabilize socio-economic activities in the region. During the fierce exchange of gunfire, several Boko Haram fighters were neutralized while others escaped with injuries.
However, the military also suffered casualties, including the death of the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, alongside other gallant soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever,” the Army stated. “The Nigerian Army will continue to honor their sacrifices as we remain resolute in our mission to stamp out terrorism from our country.”
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, commiserated with the families of the fallen soldiers, describing them as fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed exceptional courage and commitment.
He also reaffirmed the Army’s determination to relentlessly pursue and eliminate terrorist elements until lasting peace and stability are fully restored in the North-East and across Nigeria.
The Army further appealed to the public and media organizations to refrain from sharing or publishing images of fallen personnel until their next of kin have been officially notified. This, it explained, is to preserve the dignity of the deceased and protect the privacy of their families.