The National Assembly has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, and several soldiers who were ambushed and killed by terrorists in Borno State.
In a condolence message signed by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, the lawmakers described the slain personnel as “gallant patriots who gave 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,” Senator Yar’Adua said.
He pledged the legislature’s continued backing for the Nigerian Army, assuring that the Senate would “work tirelessly to provide adequate resources and welfare for troops battling insecurity across the country.”
The committee prayed for the repose of the fallen heroes, asking Almighty Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus and comfort their families.
“May their sacrifice never be in vain, and may their memory continue to inspire us to work towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” Yar’Adua added.
Earlier on Monday, the Nigerian Army confirmed that Lt. Col. Paiko and several soldiers lost their lives during a fierce gun duel with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters around the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area.
According to the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, the troops under Operation HADIN KAI’s 21 Special Armoured Brigade had successfully foiled a planned insurgent attack on October 17, 2025.
“However, 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 as they fell in battle,” Anele said.
She added that several terrorists were neutralised and their camps destroyed during the operation, emphasizing that the Army would continue to honour the sacrifices of its fallen personnel.
“Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out terrorism from our great nation,” she stated, while appealing to the public and media not to share images of the deceased to protect their families’ privacy.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, also extended condolences to the bereaved families, describing the late officers as “not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.”
Military sources disclosed that Lt. Col. Paiko and his men were on a clearance operation when they came under intense fire from heavily armed terrorists. Despite putting up stiff resistance, they were eventually overwhelmed by superior enemy firepower.
The tragedy adds to a string of deadly attacks in the North-East. In September, suspected Boko Haram insurgents raided Darajamal in Bama LGA, killing 63 people including five soldiers according to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum.
Zulum, who visited the affected area, reiterated calls for the deployment of newly trained forest guards to assist the military in protecting vulnerable communities.
Similarly, terrorists recently attacked the 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, another Bama community, resulting in the death of one soldier and five civilians. Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the incident, maintaining that the troops “remain in control of their base despite the attack.”
Until his death, Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko was celebrated as a disciplined and courageous commander with a distinguished record in counterinsurgency operations. His passing, alongside that of his men, has been described as a profound loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation.