The Nigerian Senate has paid tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Paiko and other gallant soldiers who lost their lives during a counterinsurgency operation in Borno State, following a deadly ambush by terrorists over the weekend.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, extended the condolences of the committee to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the slain soldiers.
The soldiers, led by Lt. Col. Paiko, were on a clearance mission in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State when their convoy was ambushed by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Several soldiers were killed, others injured, and some military vehicles destroyed in the attack.
In his statement, Senator Yar’Adua described the fallen troops as national heroes who demonstrated “exceptional courage, professionalism, and patriotism” in the fight against insurgency.
“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Army, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the gallant officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” he said.
The committee also prayed for the repose of their souls and asked Almighty Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus, while also praying for comfort and strength for their grieving families.
“May their sacrifice never be in vain, and may their memory continue to inspire us to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” Yar’Adua added.
Until his death, Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko served as the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion. He was known within military circles for his commitment, discipline, and bravery in combat situations, especially in the volatile North-East zone.
According to military sources, the unit was responding to intelligence reports about terrorist activities in the Marte axis when they encountered heavy fire from ISWAP insurgents. Despite a brave counterattack, Paiko and several of his men were reportedly overwhelmed by the sheer force of the ambush.
His death is seen as a major loss for the Nigerian Army, especially as the military continues its long-running battle against terrorist groups in the region.
While honouring the fallen heroes, the Senate Committee also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army through adequate funding and legislative backing. Yar’Adua said the Senate will not relent in ensuring that the army is equipped with the necessary tools to win the war against terror.
“We will work tirelessly to provide adequate resources and support to the Nigerian Army in its quest to maintain peace and security in our great nation,” he assured.
The Senator also emphasized the need to improve the welfare of military personnel and their families, especially those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
The attack in Borno has reignited concerns over the resurgence of ISWAP and Boko Haram activities in the North-East, especially in areas previously considered cleared by the military.
In recent weeks, there have been increased reports of attacks on both civilians and security forces in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, raising questions about the sustainability of gains previously made in the counterterrorism campaign.
The loss of Lt. Col. Paiko and his troops has once again brought to the fore the dangers faced by Nigerian soldiers daily in defence of their country. Their deaths serve as a reminder of the high price being paid by the military in the war against terror.
