Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has disbursed a total of N150 million to the families of three senior military officers who lost their lives during recent security operations in the state.
The financial assistance is part of the government’s ongoing welfare support for families of security personnel who died or were wounded while participating in counter-insurgency operations.
Governor Zulum said the gesture reflects the state government’s recognition of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and its commitment to supporting the families they left behind.
“These officers paid the ultimate price in service to our country. As a government, we consider it our responsibility to stand by their families and honour their sacrifice,” he told journalists on Wednesday.
Zulum has consistently extended similar support to families of volunteer fighters killed in combat, including educational scholarships for orphaned children of the deceased.
In continuation of this effort, the governor personally visited the families of the late Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko.
During the visit to the family of Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, he was received by the officer’s wives, Na’ima and Rakiya, and conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Borno State.
“Late Iliyasu was a committed and patriotic officer whose contributions to national security will always be remembered,” Zulum said while presenting a cheque of N50 million to the bereaved family.
He also traveled to Niger and Kano states, where he presented cheques of N50 million each to the families of Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.
The visits, carried out on Wednesday, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to recognising the bravery and patriotism of officers who lost their lives defending the country.
Zulum further announced plans to reach out to other families of soldiers who were either killed or declared missing during ongoing military operations in Borno State.
He concluded by offering prayers for the repose of the deceased officers’ souls and asking God to grant their families strength and comfort in the face of their loss.
