Boko Haram kills battalion commander, several soldiers in Borno ambush

A battalion commander of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and several soldiers have been killed in an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

The incident occurred during a clash between troops of Operation Hadin Kai and insurgents attempting to launch an attack in the area.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.

According to her, troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling the planned attack but recording casualties in the process.

“Unfortunately, the encounter came at a cost, as the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other soldiers lost their lives,” the statement read.

Anele added that several insurgents were killed during the operation, while others escaped with gunshot wounds as troops destroyed some of their hideouts.

She said the operation prevented a major assault on civilians and critical infrastructure in Bama and surrounding communities.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers and men, pledging continued efforts to eliminate terrorism in the North-East.

The Army also appealed to the public and media organisations to avoid sharing images of the deceased until their families have been notified.