The Senate Committee on Army has condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, over the death of Lt. Colonel Aliyu Paiko and other soldiers in Borno State.
In a statement on Monday by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the Senate described the fallen soldiers as heroes who exemplified the highest standards of military professionalism and patriotism.
The statement read: ‘On behalf of the Senate Committee on Army, I extend our heartfelt condolences to you, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the gallant officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty’.
The Senate Committee on Army assured the Nigerian Army of its continued support in ensuring the welfare and well-being of troops.
‘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’, Yar’adua stated.
The committee also extended its deepest sympathies to the families of the fallen heroes, praying that Almighty Allah grants them Jannatul Firdaus and comforts their loved ones during this difficult time.
‘May their sacrifice never be in vain, and may their memory continue to inspire us to work towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria’, the statement concluded.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Paiko, until his death was the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion.
He and several members of his troops were reportedly ambushed by terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province while on a clearance operation in the Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred last weekend, also left several soldiers injured and military vehicles destroyed, reigniting concerns about the resurgence of insurgent activities in the region.
Military sources said the troops had been responding to intelligence reports about terrorist movement in the area when they came under heavy fire.
Despite fierce resistance, Paiko and a number of his men were overpowered by the superior firepower of the insurgents.
His death has been described as a huge loss to the Nigerian Army, given his reputation for bravery and leadership in counterinsurgency operations.
