Soldiers in the theatre of war in the North East have mourned the death of Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, describing him as a gallant, battle tested and trusted patriotic soldier of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement on Saturday, the Theatre Command Centre of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, said Ali, nicknamed, Sarkin Yaki [Chief Warrior], was the Commanding Officer, 272 Task Force Battalion at Mallam Fatori in Northern Borno.
He died in confrontation with suspected Boko Haram terrorists who attacked 119 Battalion, Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori on Friday, in a failed attempt to capture the town.
Four other soldiers also died in the attack.
“He served the nation with unwavering commitment and dedication, paying the ultimate price so that millions can sleep on their beds in peace.
“We are deeply pained at the loss of one so selfless and committed to routing the misguided terrorists from the North of the country,” it said.
Ali, a recipient of the Chief of Army Staff Award for exceptional bravery and excellence, led the army units that recovered Gamboru-Ngala, Baga and several communities from the terrorists.
The centre said that it was deeply pained by Ali’s demise who served as “the face of the campaign against Boko Haram which embodied commitment, loyalty, service and hope for a better, peaceful and prosperous nation.”
The statement added that the deceased was “a source of inspiration to us and millions of Nigerians praying for the speedy end of the insurgency.
“At this point we pray for his family and the Nigerian Army that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Ali and others who have lost their lives in the ongoing campaign will never be forgotten.”
In the same manner, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello also mourned Lt. Col Ali; and commiserated with Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom
In a statement issued by Bello’s Chief Press Secetary, Petra Akinti Onyegbule, described his death as unfortunate and “a momunental loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.”
Bello said the late colonel “was a gallant officer who served the nation with his all and paid the supreme price by laying down his life for the peace of the country.” He maintained that the late soldier will be remembered for his sacrifice and commitment to the cause of the Nigerian Army to rid the country of insurgency, which has been a source of concern to every one.
“Kogi State and indeed Nigerians will never forget your gallantry as you led a team of the Nigerian Army to recapture Baga from the control of terrorists and you death while in active service. He was a gallant soldier,” Governor Bello said of Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali.
The Governor extended his condolences to the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom over this devastating loss.
“Allah giveth and He taketh, from Him we came and to Him we return. May Allah give you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“May Almighty Allah grant late Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen”, Bello prayed.
