Boko Haram has killed Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko and several soldiers in Borno. The army says the fallen heroes foiled a major terrorist attack in Bama
Bama, Borno State – Boko Haram terrorists have killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, along with several soldiers, during a fierce encounter in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
Also read: Nigeria, Borno govt sent trafficking victims back to Boko Haram – U.S. report
The incident occurred on 17 October 2025, and was confirmed in a statement on Monday by Major Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations.
According to the army, troops under Operation Hadin Kai successfully foiled a planned Boko Haram attack but suffered casualties in the process.
“The encounter took its toll on our side, as 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,” Anele said.
Anele noted that the soldiers engaged the terrorists in a heavy gunfight, neutralising several insurgents, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The troops also discovered and destroyed several Boko Haram camps, derailing plans to attack civilians and destabilise the area.
“Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation,” the army stated.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing them as “fathers, brothers, and sons who showed immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.”
He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to eliminating all terrorist elements, stating that their sacrifice would not be in vain.
The army urged the media and public to refrain from sharing images of the deceased until next of kin have been formally notified, in order to preserve the dignity and privacy of the bereaved families.
The loss of Lt. Col. Paiko adds to a growing list of security personnel killed in active duty. In May 2025, two soldiers were also killed in Ijaha Ikobi, Benue State, during a bandit attack.
The assailants reportedly made away with military-grade weapons, including AK-47 rifles and a submachine gun.
Also read: Boko Haram attack kills dozens in Borno’s Darul Jamal
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, continues to claim lives despite military efforts. Operation Hadin Kai has been Nigeria’s flagship counterterrorism operation in the North-East, with notable gains but persistent setbacks.
Source: Read more at iretura.com
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
