Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, being decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at Gamboru Ngala on 9th September 2015 during an operational visit
The Nigerian Army has announced the death of one of its distinguished officers, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, Commanding Officer, 272 Task Force Tank Battalion in an attack by Boko Haram on troops location at Mallam Fatori, northern Borno State on Friday night.
It will be recalled that in recognition of Colonel Ali’s exceptional bravery and gallantry, he was given an accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel and was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at Gamboru Ngala on 9 September 2015 during an operational visit.
The Army also announced that the terrorists killed four other soldiers while four other of its men were injured in the attack which left 14 Boko Haram terrorists dead.
The full statement by the Army signed by Colonel Usman reads, “Yesterday at about 10.00pm suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a 119 Battalion Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori, northern Borno State.
“The troops fought gallantly and repelled the attack, killing 14 Boko Haram terrorists.
“Unfortunately, we lost an officer and 4 soldiers, while 4 other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter.
“One of those killed in action, was Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, the Commanding Officer of 272 Task Force Tank Battalion.
“It will be recalled that because of the late senior officer’s exceptional bravery and gallantry, he was given an accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel and was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at Gamboru Ngala on 9th September 2015 during an operational visit.
“So far, the troops have recovered 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 7 AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition. Mopping up and exploitation are ongoing.”