Tears and Tributes as Nigeria Buries Fallen Soldiers in Maiduguri

By Auwal Ahmad Umar 

Nigeria on Wednesday paid its last respects to slain military personnel, including Brigadier General Omo Braimah and Captain Ismail, in a solemn ceremony held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The emotionally charged burial drew grieving families, military officers and top government officials, all united in honour of soldiers who died in active service while defending the country’s territorial integrity.

Among the dignitaries present were Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, along with senior officers of the Armed Forces.

The fallen troops were laid to rest with full military honours, including ceremonial processions and the reading of citations recounting their service records and acts of bravery. The atmosphere was marked by silence, tears, and deep reflection as colleagues and loved ones said goodbye.

In separate tributes, officials described the deceased as gallant patriots who stood firm in the face of danger.

“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. They paid the ultimate price so that others may live in peace,” one of the senior military officials said during the ceremony.

Governor Zulum noted that the courage of the fallen soldiers reflects the resilience of Nigeria’s armed forces in confronting security challenges, particularly in the north-east.

Defence Minister Musa also commended the troops’ constant dedication to duty, saying their legacy would continue to motivate both serving personnel and future generations.

Prayers were offered for the repose of their souls, while family members struggled to contain their grief as final rites were performed.

The burial once again highlighted the heavy toll of Nigeria’s ongoing security operations, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made daily by members of the Armed Forces.

Even in death, the fallen soldiers were honoured not just for how they died but also for how they lived  in service, courage and devotion to the nation.

40 Years On: NDA 27th Course Veterans Celebrate Legacy, Renew Bonds in Abuja

By Musa Garba, Kaduna

Former members of the 27 Short Service Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Saturday gathered in Abuja to commemorate four decades since their commissioning, using the occasion to reinforce unity, promote wellbeing, and strengthen lifelong friendships.

Speaking at the reunion, President of the alumni association, retired Major General Okechukwu Ugo, expressed appreciation for the privilege of witnessing the milestone, describing it as a moment of reflection and gratitude.

He recalled that the group’s previous reunion took place in 2022 at the National Defence College, noting that this year’s event offered another opportunity for members to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate years of dedicated service to the country.

Ugo paid homage to colleagues who have passed on and extended prayers for those dealing with health challenges, urging members to continue supporting one another in all circumstances.

He explained that the anniversary programme featured a range of activities, including medical awareness sessions, leadership elections, and a gala evening designed to foster relaxation and camaraderie.

Highlighting the importance of health education, Ugo urged participants to take the sessions seriously, particularly those focused on ageing and wellness, stressing that continuous learning is key to maintaining good health in later years.

In a show of compassion, spouses of the alumni visited an orphanage in Kuje, where they provided assistance to vulnerable children. Ugo described the outreach as a reflection of the group’s enduring commitment to humanitarian values and social responsibility.

On leadership succession, he noted that the current executives would hand over to a new team, expressing confidence that the transition process would be transparent and credible.

He added that the gala night would serve as a fitting conclusion to the celebrations, giving members the chance to unwind and honour the shared journey that has kept them united over the years.

The event also featured a health lecture themed “Geriatric Health: Mind and Body,” delivered by Professor Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku and Dr. Okiobeya Davidson, who provided insights on maintaining physical and mental wellbeing in later life.

Brigadier General feared killed in fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

A brigadier general of the Nigerian Army has been feared killed in coordinated Boko Haram terrorist attacks in four communities of Banki Ruwa, Ngamdu, Benisheik and Pulka, a border area with Cameroon.

According to a credible military source on Thursday in Maiduguri, the multiple attacks simultaneously occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting four communities located on the south fringe of Sambisa Forest.

According to reports, the first wave of assaults began at about 10:30 p.m. in Pulka and Bakin Ruwa, both in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The terrorists reportedly overran a military base in the area, adding that several military assets were also set ablaze at dawn.

ablaze. The attack also destroyed construction equipment belonging to the Borno State Government.

The attackers, according to the source, further looted food items from shops at Pulka village before withdrawing.

The military further revealed: “Hours later, by midnight, the insurgents launched another set of attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu, 100 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

In Benisheikh, the terrorists reportedly overran the 29 Task Force Brigade, destroying multiple military vehicles.

The military explained that during the attacks, the Brigade Commander of an army base, Brig-Gen. O.O. Braimah, was killed while reportedly leading efforts to defend the base, his troops, and the civilians in the affected area.

The attackers also set several vehicles in transit along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Motorway on fire and continued to operate in the Ngamdu community for more than three hours.

Other security sources indicated that the assault on Ngamdu, located near Benisheik, may have been a diversionary tactic designed to delay reinforcement efforts. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets were involved in the operation.

Similarly, the Pulka operation may have used the attack on Bakin Ruwa as a decoy.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military is yet to issue an official statement regarding the attacks on the four communities in Borno State.