On March 14, 2024, 17 soldiers attached to 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State while on peace mission to Okuoma Community were surrounded and killed by some irate youths in the community.

Trouble started when the troops responded to a distress call after a communal crisis between Okuoma and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.

The troops, who were led by their late Commanding Officer, the Kano-born military officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali, were murdered in a gruesome manner.

Below is the profile of the slain gallant officer:

Birth and Education

Late Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali (N/12079) was born on May 18, 1975 in Kano. He hailed from Fagge Local Government Area of the state and had his primary education at Kuka Special Primary School, Fagge, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate.

Thereafter, he proceeded to Government Senior Grammar School, Gwarzo, where he obtained his West African Secondary School Certificate. He then attended the College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Kano, before proceeding to Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science.

Nigerian Army

The late senior officer enlisted into the Nigerian Army on October 2, 1996 and was later granted Short Service Combatant Commission on December 17, 2005 as a member of Short Service Course 34 in the rank of second lieutenant. He converted to Regular Combatant Commission effective November 24 2010. He was of the Infantry Corps and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on November 17, 2020 – a rank he held until his demise on March 14, 2024.

Courses attended

The late senior officer attended several courses and performed creditably. Some of the courses include Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), Anti-tank Platoon Commanders’ Course, African Contingency Operations Training Assistance Command and Staff Training Course, Junior Course (Pakistan), Company Commanders’ Course (Infantry), Senior Course, Basic Computer Course and Combine Arms Tactics Course (United Kingdom).

During his Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), he was a confident and well-dressed officer whose turnout was admired by all. His written and oral submissions were good and aptly presented.

In his Anti-tank Platoon Commanders’ Course, he demonstrated zeal and interest in the Course. He was physically fit and maintained a good relationship with his colleagues. He also exhibited good leadership qualities when appointed course leader. During his Junior Course, he was described as a matured, hardworking, and well-disciplined officer.

He was also an intelligent officer who was quick on the uptake and displayed consistent quest for learning. The late senior officer expressed his opinion with logic and conviction, accepted positive criticism and maintained balance under stressful conditions. While on his Senior Course, he was deemed a respectful and confident officer who demonstrated commitment to work.

He was a team player whose contributions in group discussions and exercises were always relevant, with rich personal field experiences, particularly in Operations in the North East of Nigeria. During his Company Commanders’ Course (Infantry), he brought his personal experience in the field to bear during syndicate discussions and outdoor exercises. He displayed good leadership traits and had the ability to inspire his group to work hard in order to achieve group tasks.

Positions held

Late Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali proved his mettle as a professional military officer while in the service and held several command, staff and instructional appointments, some of which are Platoon Commander SE Division Garrison, Officer Commanding Defence Company Nigerian Battalion Tt African-Led International Support Mission to Mal, Nigerian Battalion 7 African Union-United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur, Instructor Depot Nigerian Army, Company Second-in-Command 5S Battalion, Commanding Othicer 195 Battalion (Rear), Officer Commanding Special Intervention Battalion 2, Operations Officer 333 Artillery Regiment under Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA, and Staff Officer Grade 2 Operations/Officer Commanding as well as Second-in-Command 134 Special Forces Battalion. He was also the Acting Commanding Officer 198 Special Forces Battalion, Commanding Officer 198 Special Forces Battalion, Commander 63 Brigade Garrison, and Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion.

As Acting Officer Commanding Defence Company 81 Division Garrison, he was the Team Leader of the Garrison team during 81 Division Inter Formation/Unit Obstacle Competition 2006, where his efforts yielded to the Team winning the competition. As Platoon Commander and Administrative Officer in Depot Nigerian Army, he took active part in Operation SAFE CONDUCT carried out to suppress the 2011 post-election crisis in Zaria. He was a quiet, jovial, and dedicated officer whose contribution towards the success of training in the Division was commendable.

As Platoon Commander Nigerian Battalion 7 African Union United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur, he was highly dedicated in the execution of his duties and ensured that desired results were achieved. As Operations Officer 333 Artillery Regiment under Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA, he was an enthusiastic and meticulous officer who carried out his duties with dedication. He conducted a search and rescue operation for a Nigerian Air Force helicopter that crashed at Bulabulin where he rescued survivors of the crash.

He also participated in various attacks and recovered several equipment including tanks, armoured personnel carriers and anti-aircraft guns. His acts of courage and gallantry during the operations contributed immensely to the success of the Army in Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA.

In recognition of his extreme commitment, high level of dedication and bravery, he earned an accelerated promotion to the rank of major on 17 November 2014 from the Commanderin-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As Second-in-Command S Battalion, his pragmatic approach to duties made him stand out amongst peers.

He placed the interest ot the Service above personal interest. During Exercise CROCODILE SMILE, the late senior officer led operations that destroyed several oil bunkering locations. He also recovered several arms and ammunition. As Commanding Officer 195 Battalion (Rear), he exhibited commendable sense of duty, discipline, and professionalism in handling of the Battalion affairs. He ensured that his officers and soldiers were trained and conducted operations professionally. He also repaired most of the unit’s unserviceable vehicles to meet operational demands with meagre resources.

As Officer Commanding and later Battalion Second-in-Command 134 Special Forces Battalion, he participated in Operations TIGER CLAW, LEOPARD TRAIL, AYISO TAMONUMA I, KANTANA JIMLA and FIRE BALL. It is noteworthy that he performed extremely well in all operations and destroyed scores of Boko Haram terrorists and equipment. As Commanding Officer 198 Special Forces Battalion, he exercised good command and control of his unit. He led the unit in several operations against Boko Haram terrorists in the North East as well as anti-banditry operations in 1 Division Area of Responsibility. Notably, he conducted movement of his troops to Kaduna and Niger states to clear bandits’ camps under Operation DOMINION STORM.

Honours

In recognition of his meritorious service to the Nation, he was bestowed with the following honours and awards:

a. Forces Service Star.

b. Passed Staff Course.

c. Command Medal.

d. General Operations Medal.

e. Golden Jubilee Medal.

f. Centenary Medal.

The late senior officer, whose name will forever remain a hallmark of operations in almost all operational theatres in Nigeria devoted over a decade of his service years to operational theatres. His commitment to duty and exceptional bravery set him apart as a shining example for all who served alongside him.

In the pursuit of his duty to the nation, the late senior officer paid the supreme price, with his boots on. His death is a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army, and the nation in general. (Daily Trust)

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