The Nigerian Army has released details regarding 17 soldiers who tragically lost their lives while on a mission to restore peace in Delta State.
The soldiers, belonging to the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were responding to clashes between the neighboring communities of Okuama and Okoloba. Their aim was to calm tensions and mediate a resolution. However, during their operation, the men came under attack and were killed in the line of duty.
The Nigerian Army has honored the fallen by publicly naming each soldier and sharing their photos. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice include;
1. Lt Col AH Ali, the Command Officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army.
2. Maj SD Shafa (N/13976)
3. Maj DE Obi (N/14395)
4. Capt U Zakari (N/16348)
5. SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974)
6. Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274)
7. Col Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853)
8. LCol Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844)
9. Lal Sole Opeyemi (17NA/760719)
10. LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290)
11. LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653)
12. LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191)
13. Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079)
14. Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911)
15. Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162)
16. Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079)
17. Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).
President Bola Tinubu strongly condemned the incident and has demanded that the perpetrators face legal consequences. In a sign of deference, the Nigerian flag will fly at half-mast across military facilities.
The brave soldiers represented the best of Nigeria’s armed forces, risking their lives to maintain harmony between communities. While justice will be sought, their families will feel the loss most deeply. This tragic event is a somber reminder of the dangers faced daily by those who serve to protect citizens.
