Terrorists have killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, along with several soldiers in Borno State.

The officer paid the supreme price following a fierce confrontation with Boko Haram insurgents in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

The development has been confirmed by the Nigerian Army.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a planned terrorist attack but suffered heavy casualties in the process.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, on October 17, 2025, thwarted an attempted assault by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area.

“Unfortunately, the encounter came at a cost, as the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other gallant soldiers paid the supreme price,” the statement read.

Major Anele explained that the troops engaged the insurgents in intense combat, neutralising several fighters and destroying multiple terrorist hideouts in the region.

The operation, she said, prevented what could have been a devastating attack on civilians and critical infrastructure.

“The troops’ bravery frustrated the terrorists’ plans to disrupt peace and socio-economic activities in Bama and surrounding communities.

Some of the fleeing terrorists sustained gunshot wounds as our forces maintained operational dominance,” she added.

The Army spokesperson described the fallen officers as heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the sovereignty and stability of Nigeria, assuring that their legacies would never be forgotten.

“The Nigerian Army deeply mourns these courageous men. Their sacrifices embody the spirit of service and patriotism.

“We will continue to honour their memory as we intensify efforts to eradicate terrorism from our nation,” Major Anele stated.

She further noted 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 military’s unwavering resolve to sustain the offensive against all terrorist elements until lasting peace is achieved in the North-East and across the country.

The Army also urged the public and media outlets to refrain from circulating images of the fallen soldiers until their next of kin have been properly informed, in order to preserve their dignity and respect their families’ privacy.

The suspect, identified as Chinecherem Ugwuagu, aged 25, was nabbed by operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol, along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway.

According to a statement by the PPRO, Enugu State Command, SP Danile Ndukwe, “A gun-like object, made from a body lotion container wrapped with cloth, a robbed Carter motorcycle, clothes, bank ATM card, and other exhibits were recovered from him.”

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, on the same date at about 8:00 a.m., broke into the house of a victim at 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area, and used the gun-like object to threaten and rob the victim of the recovered items.

“He thereafter dressed in the NYSC uniform to disguise himself and evade security checks along the road but was intercepted and arrested by eagle-eyed operatives while escaping on the motorcycle.

“The suspect will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations,” Ndukwe stated.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their swift and diligent action, which led to the arrest and recovery of the exhibits.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating crime and urged citizens to remain law-abiding and continue supporting the Police with credible information to enhance public safety and security in the State.