The Nigerian Army has announced the death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, and several soldiers after a confrontation with Boko Haram insurgents in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the tragic development in a statement on Monday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele.
According to Anele, troops of Operation Hadin Kai under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade foiled a planned attack by Boko Haram insurgents on October 17, 2025, but suffered casualties.
“Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade on 17 October 2025 successfully foiled an attack planned by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
“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,” the statement read.
Anele described the fallen troops as heroes who fought for the peace and stability of Nigeria.
“These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever. The Nigerian Army will continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices, as their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from Nigeria,” she said.
She explained that the troops had earlier located and destroyed several Boko Haram camps in the Kashimri area, disrupting the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt socio-economic activities. Many of the terrorists were reportedly killed, while others sustained injuries during the encounter.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices. Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation,” the statement added.
Anele further stated that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as “fathers, brothers, and sons who showed exceptional courage in the face of danger.”
Oluyede reaffirmed the army’s commitment to relentlessly pursue terrorist elements until peace and normalcy are restored in the North-East and across Nigeria.
The army urged members of the public and the media to refrain from sharing or publishing images of fallen personnel until their next of kin have been duly informed, to preserve their dignity and protect their families’ privacy.
