ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Army has extended condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, following the death of Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko and several soldiers during a counterinsurgency operation in Borno State.
In a statement released Monday, Committee Chairman Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua described the fallen troops as “heroes” who embodied military discipline and national commitment. He praised their courage in confronting insurgents under extreme conditions.
Lt. Col. Paiko, commanding officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, was killed during a clearance mission in Marte Local Government Area. The operation targeted militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who ambushed the unit with heavy firepower.
Military sources said Paiko’s team had responded to intelligence reports about terrorist movement in the area. Despite resistance, the soldiers were overwhelmed, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, as well as the destruction of military vehicles.
The Senate Committee pledged continued legislative support for the Nigerian Army, emphasizing the need for improved resources, equipment, and welfare to sustain counterterrorism efforts. Yar’adua said the committee would advocate for increased funding and strategic oversight.
The statement also offered prayers for the families of the deceased, asking that they find solace and strength amid the loss. Yar’adua invoked Islamic blessings, praying that the fallen be granted Jannatul Firdaus.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, in earlier remarks, called the deaths a “painful reminder” of the sacrifices made by military personnel. He reaffirmed the army’s resolve to dismantle insurgent networks and restore stability in Nigeria’s northeast.
The incident has reignited public concern over the resurgence of extremist violence in Borno, a region long plagued by Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks. Analysts warn that recent ambushes suggest evolving tactics and renewed aggression by insurgent factions.
Security experts have urged the government to reassess its counterinsurgency strategy, citing gaps in intelligence coordination and troop mobility. They argue that sustained military pressure must be matched by community engagement and regional cooperation.
As the nation mourns, calls for accountability and reform continue to grow, with lawmakers and civil society demanding a more robust response to protect frontline soldiers and prevent further loss of life.
