Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali (1980–2016)

Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali CON was a distinguished officer in the Nigerian Army, renowned for his courage and effectiveness in leading counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram. His service and sacrifice remain emblematic of the dedication of the Nigerian military.

Early Life and Education

  • Date of Birth: 15 August 1980
  • Hometown: Bassa-Nge, Kogi State, Nigeria.
  • Family Background: He was a prince of the Bassa-Nge Kingdom and the son of Brigadier General Abu Ali, who later became the Etsu (traditional ruler) of the Bassa-Nge Kingdom.

Education:

  • Attended Command Secondary School, Jos, graduating in 1997.
  • Joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1998 as part of the 50th Regular Course, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army Armour Corps in September 2003.

Military Career

Ali demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership throughout his military career:

  • UN Missions:
    • Participated in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
    • Served in the United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNMO).
  • Command and Achievements:
    • Commanded the 272 Tank Battalion, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram.
    • Received accelerated promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel in recognition of his gallantry and effectiveness in combat.

Key Honors:

  • Awarded the Chief of Army Staff Gallantry Award on 9 September 2015 for exceptional bravery in operations, presented by Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

Death and Legacy

  • Date of Death: 4 November 2016.
  • Circumstances: Ali and six other soldiers were killed in an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Malam Fatori, Borno State, during an operation to reclaim territory.
  • Burial: Laid to rest on 7 November 2016, at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

Legacy

Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali is remembered as a fearless leader who demonstrated exceptional bravery in the face of insurgency. His contributions to Nigeria’s military efforts against terrorism earned him posthumous accolades, including being honored as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). His sacrifice continues to inspire members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.

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