Odita Sunday 
OPHK Theatre Commander Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldiers, Assures Families Their Sacrifice Will Not Be in Vain
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has paid tribute to officers and soldiers who lost their lives in active service, assuring that their sacrifices for the nation will never be in vain.
Major General Abubakar gave the assurance on Friday during a burial ceremony held in honour of the fallen troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking at the solemn ceremony, the Theatre Commander described the occasion as a painful reminder of the price paid by members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the country.
“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,” he said.
He stated that the fallen personnel displayed courage, selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that their sacrifices represented a loss not only to their families but also to the theatre of operations, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation.
“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.
The Theatre Commander further noted that the troops fought with valour and upheld the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“They endured hardship so that our flag would continue to fly high. Their sacrifices remind us that freedom is not free; it is secured by the steadfast resolve of patriots willing to place duty above self,” he said.
Major General Abubakar assured the families of the fallen soldiers that all entitlements due to the deceased personnel would be processed promptly to support their loved ones.
He also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the bereaved families.
In his remarks, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, commiserated with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Operation HADIN KAI over the loss.
He described the deaths of the soldiers as a painful loss to the nation and commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to safeguarding Borno State.
Zulum assured that the Borno State Government would continue to support the families of the fallen heroes as well as the military in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers from Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, government officials from Borno State, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and next of kin of the deceased personnel.
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