Defence ministers pay tribute to soldiers killed in Borno

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and his counterpart, Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday paid tribute to soldiers recently killed while fighting Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State, assuring that the federal government will not relent until there is total peace in the Northeast.

The two ministers arrived at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery, Maiduguri, at about 2: 38pm in the company of the senior officers from the defence headquarters, the Theatre Commander, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam, and field commanders across the state.

While at the cemetery, the Musa and Matawalle paid their tribute by laying the Wreath in honour of the fallen heroes.

Earlier, the two ministers visited Governor Babagana Zulum and sympathised with the state government over the recent bomb blast that killed 23 people and injured 108 others

During the visit, Musa, assured that the federal government will not relent in its commitment to ending terrorism in the region

He said, “Borno remains our home and whatever happens to Borno happens to all of us. We want to assure you that we will not relent until there is total peace

“Mr President is determined to give the necessary support to the members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in achieving that aim,” he assured.

He also commiserated with the victims of the attack while praying for their souls to have eternal rest.

“We commiserate with all those who have lost their lives and properties in the bomblast fourthnight ago. We prayed to God for His mercy on their souls,” he said.

Responding, the state governor, who was represented by his deputy, Umar Kadafur, appreciated the efforts of the armed forces in stabilising the state

“We cannot thank you enough for your sacrifice. As a state, we sympathise with you over the loss of your soldiers from attacks in various locations across the state.

“During the recent bomb blast, troops of Operation Hadin kai, led by their commander, stood by us, and they have been doing a wonderful jobs” Kadafur stated.

He, however, called for improved synergy between the ground and air components of Operation Hadin Kai, noting that such a strategy will ease the burden and help in improving operational successes.

On March 7, PUNCH online reported that the Nigerian Army buried soldiers killed in action during ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State

Speaking during the burial ceremony, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in service to the nation.

“In the profession of arms, there are moments of victory that fill us with pride and affirm the strength, courage and unity that define our service. Yet there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily on our hearts and remind us of the true cost of service, as we have witnessed today,” Abubakar said.

He noted that the fallen soldiers demonstrated courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, adding that their deaths were a loss not only to their families but also to the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large.

“They gave their lives in devotion to a cause greater than themselves – the nation, the people and the ideals they swore to defend. They were brave, loyal and courageous patriots whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he added.