By Dipo Awojobi – The dreaded Boko Haram insurgents have killed Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, who recaptured the Baga town of Borno state from the Islamist sect in 2015.
Sani Usman, Army spokesman, confirmed at the weekend that Ali was killed in an encounter with the insurgents late on Friday, November 4.
Ali led one of the army’s fiercest-ever battles with Boko Haram in February 2015 that led to recapturing of Baga.
The statement by Usman on Saturday read: “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.”
Meanwhile, barely three weeks after 21 Chibok girls were released by Boko Haram, another Chibok girl has been rescued. She was rescued by Nigerian troops in Pulka, Gwoza area.
