Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Oseni Braimah and seven other personnel of Operation Hadin Kai, describing their loss as both painful and heroic in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
Zulum made the remarks on Wednesday during a burial ceremony held in honour of the fallen officers and soldiers at the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery.
“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,” the governor said.
Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Borno State, Zulum extended condolences to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, senior defence authorities, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the bereaved families.
He described the recent targeted attacks on military commanders as a deliberate attempt by insurgents to weaken troop morale but assured that efforts were underway to counter the trend.
“The resurgence in the killing of combatant officers and men is a deliberate attempt to demoralise our armed forces, but we shall do everything possible to reverse this trend,” he stated.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of both federal and state governments to strengthening military capacity, noting ongoing collaboration with the Northern Governors Forum and the Northeast Governors Forum to enhance support for security operations.
As part of immediate relief measures, Zulum announced a donation of N50 million to the families of the deceased personnel. “This support is to cushion the effect of this tragic loss,” he said.
In his remarks, Christopher Musa paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice for national peace and security. He also commended Zulum for his sustained support in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
Other military chiefs, including Olufemi Oluyede and Waidi Shuaibu, expressed condolences and reiterated their resolve to bring an end to insurgency and related criminal activities.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mohammed Ali Ndume, Bukar Talba, senior government officials, and top military officers.
