Nigerian Army buries soldiers killed in Borno terror attacks

The Nigerian Army has buried the soldiers killed in recent attacks by terrorists in Borno State.

The terrorists attacked military bases in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok late on Thursday and early Friday.

Reports said the attackers came in groups from different directions to confront the bases.

Although the military said many of the insurgents were killed during the attack and that the troops also recorded casualties, it did not give exact figures.

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However, sources said more than 40 soldiers were killed. Among them was S.I. Iliyasu, a lieutenant colonel and the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion in Konduga. Some soldiers were also reported missing.

Some of the fallen soldiers were buried on Friday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.

In a statement, the army spokesperson in the region, Sani Uba, said the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Abdulsalam Abubakar, attended the burial.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Abubakar, a major general, said the event was a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

He said the dead soldiers showed courage, dedication and loyalty while defending the country.

According to him, their deaths are a loss not only to their families but also to the Nigerian Army and the nation.

He added that the soldiers fought bravely to protect the country and their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

Mr Abubakar also assured the families of the deceased soldiers that their benefits would be paid and that the military would support them.

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Mustapha Yabe, also attended the ceremony.

He expressed sympathy to the military and the families of the soldiers, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the country.

He also promised that the state government would continue to support the military and the families of the fallen soldiers.

In recent weeks, Borno State has witnessed a new wave of attacks, including kidnappings for ransom.

The latest attacks came after a deadly assault in Ngoshe, in Gwoza Local Government Area, where several soldiers and civilians were killed and many people were abducted.

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The Nigerian Army later said it killed more than 50 insurgents after the attack.

Meanwhile, an unknown group has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks and threatened to carry out more assaults on communities.

The group also said it would enslave some of the people abducted and take over the affected communities.

Also on Saturday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, a lieutenant general, arrived in Maiduguri for an operational visit with other senior military officers amid growing security concerns in the region.