Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other personnel of Operation Hadin Kai, describing their sacrifice as a painful but heroic loss in the fight against insurgency.
Governor Zulum made the remarks on Wednesday during the burial ceremony held in honor of the late military officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty at Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery in Maiduguri.
“Today, we are gathered here in solemn memory to witness yet another sad event, the burial of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other troops of Operation Hadin Kai, who paid the supreme price in the discharge of their duties while protecting the lives and property of our people,” Zulum said.
The governor, in an emotionally laden voice, extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Borno State to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defense, Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as the bereaved families.
Zulum described the recent targeted attacks on military commanders as a deliberate attempt by insurgents to weaken the morale of troops, but assured that efforts are underway to reverse the trend.
“The resurgence in the killing of combatant officers and men is a deliberate attempt to demoralize our armed forces, but we shall do everything possible to reverse this trend, Insha Allah,” he stated.
The governor praised the courage and resilience of the Nigerian military, noting that soldiers remain the primary targets in the ongoing conflict.
He reaffirmed the commitment of both the federal and state governments to strengthening the military’s capacity.
“The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside the Northern Governors Forum and the Northeast Governors Forum, is making frantic efforts to provide the necessary support and assets needed to protect our armed forces and civilians,” he said.
Zulum announced N50 million in financial assistance as immediate relief for the bereaved families. “As immediate support to cushion the effect of this tragic loss, the Borno State Government will release N50 million to the family of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and other deceased personnel,” the governor announced.
The governor concluded by praying for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and urging their families to remain steadfast in faith.
Minister of Defense General Christopher Musa Rtd paid glowing tribute to Brigadier General Braimah and other gallant soldiers killed in the line of duty during ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North-East, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice for national peace and security.
He praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his steadfast support in the fight against terrorism.
“I want to appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, for his outstanding commitment in supporting the fight against terrorism in the North-East. We salute you, sir,” he said.
Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, also mourn the deceased personnel, expressing determination to bring to an end the war against insurgency and other forms of criminality.
The solemn event was attended by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; the member representing Marte, Monguno, and Nganzai, Hon. Bukar Talba; the Secretary to the Borno State Government, acting Chief of Staff to the Governor; and senior military and state government officials.
