The Chairman of Khana Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Dr. Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam, JP, has paid glowing tribute to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in active service.
In a statement he issued on Thursday, January 15, 2026, King Baridam, who is also the Gbenemene of ancient Bangha Kingdom, joined Nigerians across the country in honouring fallen servicemen and women, describing their sacrifices as the bedrock of the nation’s unity, peace, and progress.
He commended their resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that the nation’s Armed Forces have continued to stand as a critical shield against banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and other security challenges across the geopolitical zones.
King Baridam noted that traditional institutions, particularly in Bangha land, remain firmly committed to supporting national security efforts, explaining that over the years, the Bangha Kingdom under his leadership has consistently partnered with security agencies.
He informed that this partnership has been borne on the wings of community cooperation, information gathering and sharing, and other forms of support aimed at creating a safer and more secure environment for all.
“Our fallen servicemen and women were such individuals. Through their courage in times of war, internal conflicts, counter-terrorism operations, peacekeeping missions, and other theatres of national service, they preserved the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Nigeria. Their sacrifices are securing our present and safeguarding our future,” the statement read in part.
King Baridam also expressed deep appreciation to serving and retired military personnel for their continued dedication to national security, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the widows and families of fallen heroes and prayed for God’s strength, comfort, and grace upon them.
Emphatically, the monarch called on government at all levels to reintegrate retired servicemen and women into community, local government, state, and national security structures.
He noted that their training, experience, and discipline remain invaluable assets in the fight against insecurity and could significantly strengthen grassroots security architecture across the country.