By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A Nigerian Army Commanding Officer and six soldiers have been killed in Monguno, Borno State, after their vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) late Sunday, in a deadly turn following a successful military operation against insurgents.
The tragedy occurred hours after troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration at the Charlie 13 location. The insurgents, who launched the attack under the cover of darkness, were engaged in a gun battle and eventually forced to retreat as troops held their ground.
The Commanding Officer was said to have been moving toward the frontline to personally assess the situation and boost the morale of his troops when the incident happened.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, confirmed that the officer’s vehicle ran over an IED, which detonated instantly, killing him and six other personnel.
Uba described the fallen officer as a courageous leader who led from the front and remained deeply committed to the welfare and effectiveness of his men, even in the most dangerous conditions.
Military authorities said his actions exemplified the core values of professionalism, sacrifice, and duty, adding that his legacy would endure within the Armed Forces.
Operation HADIN KAI, while mourning the loss, paid tribute to the slain personnel, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation. The military also reaffirmed its resolve to continue operations aimed at defeating insurgency in the North-East.
The incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by hidden explosives in conflict zones, even after active engagements have ended, and underscores the fragile security situation in the region.
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