Nigeria's Fallen Heroes: Full List of Senior Military Officers Killed by Terrorists Since 2015
Nigeria's protracted battle against the Boko Haram insurgency and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has exacted a devastating toll on the nation's military leadership. Since 2015, numerous high-ranking officers have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the country's sovereignty and security in the volatile northeast region and beyond.
These attacks, frequently targeting military bases, patrols, and strategic installations, underscore the persistent and evolving threat posed by insurgent groups across northern Nigeria. The following detailed profiles honor the memory and valor of commanders who stood resolutely at the forefront of this enduring conflict.
Senior Officers Lost in the Line of Duty
Lieutenant Colonel K. Yusuf (2016) – The commanding officer of the 223 Tank Battalion went missing alongside 15 soldiers on October 16, 2016, after Boko Haram fighters overran their position in Gashiga, Borno State. Their remains were subsequently recovered during clearance operations in January 2017.
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali (2016) – A highly decorated officer known for exceptional bravery, he commanded the 272 Tank Battalion and was killed on November 4, 2016, in Mallam Fatori, Borno State. He had previously served in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Darfur and received a gallantry award in September 2015.
Lieutenant Colonel B. U. Umar (2016) – He lost his life in November 2016 after his 114 Task Force Battalion was ambushed by Boko Haram militants near Mubi, Adamawa State. Despite successfully repelling the initial assault, Umar was fatally wounded at the scene.
Lieutenant Colonel O. Umusu (2016) – The commanding officer of the 118 Task Force Battalion was killed in December 2016 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy between Zare and Gudumbali in Borno State.
Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba (2018) – Serving as commander of the 157 Task Force Battalion, he was killed during a large-scale insurgent attack on a military base in Metele, northern Borno State, in November 2018. His death starkly illustrated the extreme dangers faced by commanders operating near the Lake Chad region.
Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako (2020) – A courageous field commander, he was ambushed near Wajiroko, Borno State, in September 2020 and succumbed to his injuries despite undergoing emergency surgery. He was widely praised as a fearless leader who dedicated his life to Nigeria's unity and peace.
Lieutenant Colonel Z. Manu (2020) – He was killed in September 2020 during a counter-insurgency operation in Katsina State, demonstrating how security challenges had expanded beyond the northeast into other northern regions.
Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu (2021) – The commander of the 28 Task Force Brigade in Chibok died in November 2021 during an ISWAP ambush in Askira Uba, Borno State.
Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko (2025) – Commanding officer of the 202 Battalion, he was killed by Boko Haram fighters in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State, in October 2025.
Brigadier General Musa Uba (2025) – He was ambushed near Wajiroko, Borno State, in 2025. ISWAP later released a video showing him in captivity before his execution.
Commander Umar Ibrahim Mairiga (2026) – He was killed on March 1, 2026, when ISWAP fighters attacked a military base in Mayenti, Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
Lieutenant Colonel S. I. Iliyasu (2026) – Commanding officer of the 222 Battalion, he was killed on March 6, 2026, during coordinated insurgent attacks across Borno State.
Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq (2026) – He lost his life on March 9, 2026, when insurgents overran a military base in Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, setting vehicles ablaze and looting weapons.
Brigadier General Oseni Braimah (2026) – He was killed on April 9, 2026, during an insurgent assault on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State. The Defence Headquarters stated that the courage of the fallen soldiers "will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation."
The Ongoing Struggle Against Insurgency
These officers represent just a portion of the heavy toll Nigeria's military has paid in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP. Their sacrifices underscore the persistent challenges of insurgency in the country's northern regions and highlight the resilience and dedication of those who continue to serve on the front lines.
The Nigerian Army continues to face persistent violence as insurgents employ tactics ranging from ambushes and improvised explosive devices to coordinated assaults on military formations. The loss of these senior commanders not only represents a tactical blow but also a profound human tragedy for the armed forces and the nation.
As Nigeria's security forces persist in their operations against terrorist groups, the memory of these fallen heroes serves as both a solemn reminder of the cost of conflict and an inspiration for continued resolve in the pursuit of national security and stability.
