Since Boko Haram insurgents began running amok against the Nigerian state, the country has lost several military officers who paid the ultimate price to protect its sovereignty.

The Guardian takes a look at five top military officers who died in the line of duty at the hands of Boko Haram and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

1. Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali

Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali of the Nigerian Army was killed in action by Boko Haram on November 4, 2016. He and his men were ambushed by the terrorists at a forward base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State. He and gone to repel a surprise attack on the 119th Battalion’s position. Ali was shot in the back during the night operation.

The highly decorated officer and a top commander of the 272 Tank Battalion was buried with full military honours at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

2. Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako

Colonel Bako died during an ISWAP/Boko Haram ambush on September 21, 2020, near Wajiroko village in Borno State, when he and his men were on a mission to clear insurgents along the Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis. Known as a “Soldier’s soldier”, Bako fought insurgency in the Northeast, particularly in Yobe and Borno states. He currently rests at the Maimalari Military Cemetery in Maiduguri after he was buried with full military honours.

3. Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah

Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, died on April 9, 2026, while responding with exceptional courage and superior firepower after ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters attacked a key military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, approximately 75 kilometres from Maiduguri. According to reports, Braimah was trapped in his his armored vehicle (MRAP), which had failed to start after breaking down while engaging the insurgents. Braimah hailed from Edo State and was a former UN observer and Defence Adviser in Pakistan.

4. Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba

A Boko Haram attack on the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State, on November 18, 2018, led to the death of Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba. Before his death, Sakaba was the Commander of the 157 Task Force Battalion. His death sparked controversy concerning the welfare of soldiers, especially those confronting insurgency. He died alongside 100 officers during the terrorist attack.

5. Brigadier General M. Uba

Brigadier General Musa Uba was Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade. He was killed in November 2025 by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which ambushed his convoy, captured him and subsequently killed him. During the period of his capture, there was controversy concerning his whereabouts and well-being. However, his death was confirmed by President Bola Tinubu.