The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, along with several other soldiers, following a deadly ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
The soldiers were part of Operation Hadin Kai, a military operation launched to tackle insurgency in the North-East. The ambush occurred on October 17, 2025, during a routine clearance operation when the troops came under heavy fire from the terrorists.
In a statement released on Monday, Major Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said the troops successfully thwarted what could have been a devastating attack, but the encounter came at a painful cost.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
According to the statement, the soldiers responded swiftly to the terrorist attack, engaging the insurgents in a fierce gun battle. Despite being ambushed, the troops managed to neutralise several Boko Haram fighters and destroyed multiple terrorist camps and hideouts in the area.
The Army noted that the operation also prevented a major terrorist attack on surrounding communities and key infrastructure in the Bama axis.
“The troops’ bravery frustrated the terrorists’ plans to disrupt peace and socio-economic activities in Bama and surrounding communities,” Anele said.
She added that some fleeing insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds as troops maintained control of the area, preventing further attacks.
The death of Lt. Col. Paiko has sent shockwaves across military and civilian circles. Until his death, he was in charge of the 202 Tank Battalion, a crucial unit in the North-East tasked with frontline operations against insurgents.
His leadership and dedication to duty had earned him the respect of both colleagues and superiors, making his loss a huge blow to the Nigerian military.
Major Anele described the fallen soldiers as heroes who laid down their lives for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
“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,” she said.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, also expressed deep sadness over the loss of Lt. Col. Paiko and other personnel. He extended his condolences to their families and praised them for showing “exceptional courage in the face of danger.”
Oluyede reiterated that the military would not be discouraged by the tragic incident but rather more determined to sustain the offensive against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist groups causing unrest in the North-East.
“These men were not just soldiers; they were fathers, brothers, and sons who gave everything for Nigeria. Their bravery will never be forgotten,” the COAS was quoted as saying.
He also assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to provide support for the families of the deceased and ensure their sacrifices are not in vain.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Army urged members of the public, particularly social media users and media outlets, to avoid sharing images or videos of the fallen soldiers.
The Army stressed the need to respect the dignity of the deceased and give their families the opportunity to be properly informed before any information is made public.
“We plead with the public and the media to show restraint. Kindly allow the families to grieve in peace,” Major Anele said.
The incident adds to a growing list of attacks in Borno and other parts of the North-East, despite ongoing military operations. Security experts and residents are increasingly worried about renewed activity by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, particularly in rural communities.
Over the years, the Nigerian military has made progress in recapturing territories and weakening the capabilities of insurgents, but ambushes like this continue to pose serious threats to both troops and civilians.
