Niger Governor Praises Lt Col Abu-Ali

Niger state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has described late Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed  Abu Ali as a national hero whose battleground conduct was worthy of commendation and emulation by all Nigerians. 

Gov Sani Bello said Abu Ali’s discipline, gallantry, bravery, patriotism, selfless service, commitment  and clear understanding of the battle space and what was at stake  ensured  various successes recorded in operations he led in the  fight against Bokom  Haram particularly liberation of earlier occupied  territory by terrorists in the North East .

The Governor in a condolence message  signed by  his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace,  said Abu Ali was an example of a gentleman officer who lived by the professional demand of his calling  through tactical deployment of strategic directive from military high command in support of counter terrorism operation (Operation Lafiya dole ) in the North East.

“ Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Abu Ali’s understanding of  military regimentation, command and control structure as well as leadership spirit imbued in him ensured that his troops respected him;  and senior commanders at strategic and command levels had confidence in him. ”

“He lived and died for Nigeria. The  tributes,  testimony  and outpouring of emotions by his troops and others who encoutered him in the course  of his professional career which earned him accelerated  promotion and Chief of Army Staff, COAS’s Award  for Exceptional Bravery and Excellence was  an indication that he was a war hero, who knows nothing more than service  to God and Nation. “

Governor Sani Bello said that Ali’s timeless quote (Pray, Stay Alert and Stay Alive. If Someone must Die let it be me”) which has become viral with his death revealed the kind of personae and live that he lived as a military officer.

Gov Sani Bello condoled President Muhammadu Buhari, Defence minister, Brigadier  Gen Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Etsu Bassa Nge, Brig. Gen. Abu Ali (rtd), Officers and Men of 272 Tank Battalion and entire Abu Ali family over the irreparable loss.

The Governor  prayed Allah to grant late officer aljana fidausi and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Until his death, the award wining officer fondly called Sarki Yaki was the Commanding Officer, 272 Task Force Battalion at Malam Fatori in Northern Borno state. He is survived by his  father ,  Etsu Bassa Nge, Brig Gen Abu Ali, (rtd) wife and three children.

Jibrin Baba Ndace

Chief Press Secretary