Army Commander, Others Killed In Borno Attack
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, alongside several soldiers, during a counterinsurgency operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The fatal encounter occurred on Friday, October 17, 2025, when troops under the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, repelled an attempted attack by Boko Haram insurgents around the Kashimri general area.
The soldiers, operating under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, were on a mission to disrupt a planned terrorist assault targeting civilians and local economic activities.
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolinia Anele, the troops had identified and destroyed several Boko Haram camps during the operation.
She explained that the soldiers engaged the terrorists in “a fierce gun duel, killing many while others fled with injuries”.
However, Anele disclosed that the battle claimed the lives of some army personnel, including the commanding officer.
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She said, “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.
“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 comes with the reminder of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation, Nigeria.”
Reacting to the loss, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, described the deceased personnel as “gallant officers” who exemplified courage and selflessness in the face of danger.
He said, “On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed. We stand together in this time of grief.”
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Oluyede appealed to the public and the media to respect the privacy of the fallen soldiers’ families by refraining from circulating or publishing images of deceased personnel until their next of kin have been duly informed.
“This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protect the privacy of their families,” he pleaded.
The COAS reaffirmed the force’s determination to sustain ongoing operations until all terrorist groups are dismantled and lasting peace is restored to Borno and the wider Northeast region.