On Friday, the Nigerian Armed Forces laid to rest the military personnel who lost their lives in both the line of duty and the recent crash of the Nigerian Air Force MI-171E helicopter in Niger State.
The solemn ceremony took place at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, where 20 fallen individuals were interred in accordance with military customs.
This act not only pays tribute to their bravery but also serves as a poignant reminder of their dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation.
The bodies of the 20 deceased personnel arrived the cemetery from Kaduna at noon for the funeral as some of the fallen heroes had since been buried in other locations.
Three officers and 22 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Zungeru general area of the state while seven were wounded in action.
The NAF helicopter was on a mission to evacuate the deceased and wounded troops when it crashed at Chukuba area of Shiroro Local Government Area of the state on August 13.
The crashed helicopter was conveying 14 bodies of the previously killed soldiers and seven wounded ones, two pilots and two crew members.
The event was attended by the minister of defence, Muhammed Badaru; minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle; chief of defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, service chiefs, families and well-wishers of the fallen heroes.
The governors of Kaduna and Niger states were represented at the funeral.
The event involved laying of wreath by the two ministers, and presentation of the national flag to the next-of-kin of the deceased personnel by the CDS and service chiefs.
