Emotions ran high at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State as fallen military officers and soldiers were laid to rest with full honours, amid heart-wrenching scenes from grieving families and colleagues.

PRNigeria gathered that hours before the solemn burial ceremony, one of the widows collapsed and was revived following swift intervention by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam, and medical personnel.

In another emotional moment, a widow broke down in uncontrollable tears as her children repeatedly asked: “Where is our daddy?”—a scene that drew sympathy from mourners.

Sources told PRNigeria that persuading some family members to attend the burial was emotionally challenging, prompting the involvement of military clerics who offered spiritual counsel on the inevitability of death and the sacrifices made by the fallen troops.

The burial ceremony, held on April 15, 2026, attracted top government officials, military chiefs, and residents who gathered to honour the deceased.

Those laid to rest include Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah; Captain A.M. Asimai; Staff Sergeant Abubakar Bello; Corporal Maulud Idi; Corporal Jaiyeola James; Private Dimis Jibrin; Private Usman Ismail; and Private Moses Naseel.

The fallen personnel were among those who confronted ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists during coordinated attacks on military formations in Benisheikh, Ngamdu, and Pulka in Borno State.

The main assault targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, a strategic installation along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway. The insurgents reportedly breached the base’s defensive perimeter using heavy gunfire and explosives, leading to the death of Brigadier General Braimah, alongside other personnel, including the brigade imam.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI later repelled the attackers with superior firepower, neutralising several insurgents, while follow-up airstrikes in Jilli—near the Borno-Yobe border—eliminated more fighters linked to the attack and led to the arrest of suspected accomplices.

Defence intelligence sources described the deceased as gallant personnel who stood their ground in the face of danger.

“They had the opportunity to withdraw but chose to stand and fight. They paid the supreme price in service to the nation,” a source said.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and other top public functionaries and senior military officers.

During the ceremony, citations highlighting the service records and bravery of the fallen soldiers were read, while prayers were offered for the repose of their souls.

In their tributes, government and military leaders described the deceased as true patriots who demonstrated courage, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to national security.

They noted that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would continue to inspire future generations and remain etched in Nigeria’s history.

The grief displayed by their families underscored the human cost of the ongoing fight against insecurity, even as their bravery remains a source of national pride.

As the nation mourns, the burial serves as a solemn reminder of the price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces in defence of peace, unity, and national stability. (Text, excluding healdine: By PRNigeria)

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