EXCLUSIVE: Lt. Col. Abu Ali’s Death: Why Boko Haram is killing more Nigerian soldiers – Top Military Officer

Nigeria has been in mourning since Saturday when news broke that Muhammad Abu-Ali, a lieutenant colonel, and Nigerian Army’s most efficient fighter died in battle alongside five soldiers during an exchange of battle with the terrorist Boko Haram.
Military insiders said the Army has launched an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of the country’s bravest commander and five of his troops.
But a top military officer with deep knowledge of the North-East operation has granted PREMIUM TIMES an exclusive interview detailing how the officer and his soldiers fell and why more and more soldiers were being killed by Boko Haram in recent times. The officer requested anonymity because he had no permission to discuss operational matters with the media.
EXCERPT:
Thank you very much officer for agreeing to talk to us. We are sorry to hear of the death of Lt. Col. Abu Ali, a gallant and brave officer who gave his all to his country. We also learnt that he was killed alongside some soldiers. What really happened?
What happened was that Boko Haram terrorists ambushed our troops on Friday night at Mallam Fatori. Lt Col Abu Ali was killed on his way to reinforce troops there.
Information available reveals that one officer and 49 soldiers were withdrawn from Mallam Fatori on Friday morning and Boko Haram attacked at night indicating they possibly had advance information of the troops reduction in number.
Six soldiers and 14 Boko Haram terrorists were killed alongside Lt Col Abu-Ali, who was granted special promotion in 2014 for his gallantry in the fight against Boko Haram.
There is great mourning across the theatre of operations. Everyone is in mourning mood. May God grant the senior officer Aljanat Firdaus.
But why are attacks and killing of Nigerian troops becoming rampant in the past weeks?
It is sad that the Nigerian Army is announcing that the attacks are being carried out by remnants of Boko Haram terrorists when all reasonable persons can see that Boko Haram is still a formidable force. The Nigerian Army is more concerned with pleasing the political class while the grassroots people are still suffering.
It is the duty of the Nigerian Army public relations department to make the Nigerian Army look good but it is also necessary for the Nigerian Army to take practical steps to end this insurgency by improving the equipment state of the Nigerian Army and telling the government the true state of affairs.
What is the true state of affairs?
The truth is that from September to November this year, we have lost so many troops that can’t even be accounted for.
Prominent amongst those lost are Maj DS Erasmus and 8 soldiers – 25 Sep 2016 due to IED / ambush along Bama – Banki road. Lt Col K Yusuf and 83 soldiers missing in action on 16 Oct 2016 when Boko Haram attacked troops location at Gashigar. Lt Col M Abu-Ali and five soldiers were killed on 4 November 2016 on their way to reinforce troops at Mallam Fatori during Boko Haram attack.
On 5 November 2016, two soldiers were killed at Kwada during Boko Haram attack on troops location. One soldier was wounded while another two were declared missing in action.
In another attack in Kangarwa on 6 November, one soldier was killed while four other soldiers were wounded in action. Thirteen Boko Haram terrorists were killed and unconfirmed number of them was wounded.
Why are attacks on troops becoming more and more regular?
It’s dry season here and the ground allows smooth movement of vehicles. Boko Haram terrorists have a better knowledge of the local terrain so they can easily access troops location and escape.
Furthermore, there’s pressure on Boko Haram terrorists around Sambisa general area hence they seem to have pooled forces together to concentrate on the northern Borno axis.
So what can Nigerian authorities do to reduce casualties on the side of Nigerian troops?
The major cause of casualties on troops at the moment is poor equipment state. At the moment, the equipment in the theatre are mostly worn out and almost obsolete. Provision of adequate equipment is the only answer for now. Troops confidence is a function of sound and functional equipment.
Remember that man without equipment is at best inefficient and machines without man are almost useless. This points to the need for adequate equipment in the theatre to minimize casualty rate in the theatre.
What kinds of equipment are obsolete, and what kinds are needed at this time?
The tanks (especially Vickers MBT) in the theatre are so worn out that they often do not get to action most times troops are under attack. This is why the semi-serviceable T-72 tanks are being moved everywhere in the theatre. This explains why Lt Col Abu-Ali was almost everywhere there was threat as he commanded the T-72 tank Battalion.
The artillery Shilka guns are even the worst. Boko Haram terrorists fear the effect of Shilka guns but I still wonder why almost all Shilkas are not serviceable in the theatre.
Even more worrisome is the fact that the Nigerian Army has not procured more Shilka guns because they are Russian made and the bottleneck to buy them is not too much like those of Western countries.
But the impression being created is that troops are better off now in terms of equipment than under Jonathan
Unfortunately, for every battle we engage in, the equipment keep wearing and to worsen issues, these equipment were not procured with their fast-moving spare parts. The big question is, how many equipment has the present government procured and where are they deployed for use?
So does it mean troops are using just AK 47 to fight Boko Haram?
That’s our personal assault rifle, which is needed after long range weapons have done much of the job but unfortunately the long range support weapons are inadequate. Eg AA GUNS, mortar tubes, artillery weapons like shilka guns etc.
So how did we achieve the initial upper hand, cutting down Boko Haram down and capturing territories from the terrorists?

e upper hand started in February 2015 due to the arrival of T-72 tanks in the theatre. Chadian troops also assisted in mounting pressure on Boko Haram terrorists at the same time. This resulted in Boko Haram splitting their forces to several places at the same time.
So how did we lose the plot?
Recall that there were mercenaries that fought with Nigerian Army troops in the first and second quarters of 2015.
Yes
Boko Haram seems to have good strategist who study our modus operandi and cause them to adjust accordingly. The Nigerian military may need to reappraise its approach to counter insurgency operations.
Those mercenaries really assisted us and their withdrawal signalled the gradual regrouping of Boko Haram terrorists. This is because their withdrawal was sudden and not in phases.
But why was their withdrawal sudden?
The new government terminated their contract.
What did the mercenaries bring to the table that our troops lack?
They came with armoured fighting equipment. Above all, they had night fighting capabilities.
Do you have any further information on the attack that killed Lt. Col. Abu Ali? Especially about attack coming after withdrawal of some personnel.
There is a plan by the authorities to carry out an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. He’s to be buried by 5pm today (Monday) at the national cemetery.
But why were the men withdrawn?
They were to carry out attack elsewhere in the theatre. The only controversy is why they were suddenly forced to withdraw that fateful day.
Is it not standard practice to have replacement on location before pushing men elsewhere?
It is, but exigencies of duty make us to do things haphazardly at times.
Thank you very much for talking to us.
Thank you too.

Buhari’s utterance on “leaving Nigeria is offensive” – Ex-Minister

former Minister for Environment and Niger Delta Activist, AnnKio Briggs have described comments by President Muhammadu Buhari saying that “anyone who has another country is free to leave” as offensive and unwarranted.

Reacting to comments by President Buhari during a meeting with the Pan-Niger Delta Forum at Abuja, AnnKio Briggs said: “It is a pity, sad and offensive for Mr. President to make such statement as at no point during the meeting did the group raise such issue of anyone leaving Nigeria.
“The comment shows very clear the level of insensitivity and mindset of the government towards the people of the Niger Delta. The government should know that we had Ijaw land just as other ethnicities like Itsekiri, Urhobo and others have their lands before the existence of the Nigeria state.”

Speaking further, Niger Delta activist said, “When the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha told his fellow delegates during the 2014 National Conference under President Goodluck Jonathan that him and his people are prepared to secede from Nigeria to Cameroon if the country disintegrates, President Jonathan did not make counter remarks against them.

“So how can anyone tell us to leave? We existed before Nigeria hence they should know that I have Ijaw land to go to if I choose to.”

Nigeria not worth dying for, says Sam Okwaraji’s family

Pat Okwaraji, brother of the late Sam Okwaraji, an ex-Super Eagles attacker, said the Nigerian government had not proven that the country was worth dying for by its heroes.

Okwaraji made the assertion in an interview at the Sam Okwaraji Stadium, Orlu in Imo at the opening of Sam Okwaraji Memorial Football Competition.
The competition is organised by Okey Eze, an APGA governorship aspirant in the 2015 general election in Imo.

Okwaraji said Nigerian heroes who died for the nation, including his brother were not properly honoured by the government.

NAN reports that Sam Okwaraji slumped and died in 1989 during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos.

But the family of the late player decided to break the silence after 26 years the incident happened.

“We did not expect the Nigerian government to give Okwaraji’s family gold and silver.

“What we expected from the country is to immortalise our son who died for the nation,’’ he said.

He added that his brother who was pursuing his doctorate in law as at the time he died was forgotten after his death.

“Nigeria should learn how to inspire young talents by celebrating them.

“When heroes are celebrated and immortalised, it will go a long way to inspire young talents,’’ he said.

He, however, commended the sponsor of the competition, adding that it was a big honour to the entire family.

“We are happy that our son is being honoured and remembered through this competition; I want to encourage athletes to see it as an opportunity to excel in their career.

Herdsman buttered colleague

ABEOKUTA—OFFICERS from Ogun State Police Command have arrested two Fulani herdsmen for allegedly killing another herdsman, whose cattle they were trying to steal, at Itadodo area of Ofada in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement, disclosed that the two men, Abdulahi Anaruwa and Mohammed Suleiman, met the deceased, Garuba Mohammed, while he was grazing his cattle with two of his kinsmen, and lured him into a nearby bush, where they killed him with machetes, on October 28.

Oyeyemi said luck, however, ran against them when a motorcyclist (names withheld) saw them and alerted the people of the area, who in turn called the police.

Oyeyemi said: “The DPO of Owode Egba, CSP Sheu Alao, led his men to the scene and the two suspects were promptly arrested.

“The commissioner of police, CP Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Department, SCIID, for further investigation.

“The CP further warned that crime and criminality will have no place in Ogun State and that those who are bent on committing crimes will have the ever-ready police command to contend with.”

Father of Dethroned Cucumber Queen 'Chidinma Okeke' Speaks - My Daughter Was Drugged

Jerry Okeke, father of dethroned Miss Anambra, Chidinma Okeke popularly referred to as 'Cucumber Queen' has denied media reports that he declared his daughter missing.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Okeke said, “My daughter is not missing and at no time did I declare her missing”.

“I have been trying to make contact with one of The Sun newspapers that published the story because they want to sell (market) and I will give them a seven-day notice to correct it,” Mr. Okeke said.

“I did not tell press man that called me from The Sun that my daughter is missing or that I couldn’t find her.”

On his daughter's sex tape, the father said, “I will allow them (police) to do that (their job), but I know my daughter was drugged by some people who took advantage of her as a young woman.”

The Sun Newspaper however stands by its story. Bruce Malogo, the editor of Saturday Sun which published the story, told PREMIUM TIMES the headline was appropriate for the direct quotes from Mr. Okeke.

FG, Kogi mourn slain army commander

Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali has described the death of Lt.-Col. Muhammad Abu Ali as a tragic and unfortunate development in the theatre of operations against the Boko Haram insurgents.

This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer to the minister, Col. Tukur Gusau in Abuja yesterday.

Gusau said the minister received the sad news of the death of Lt.-Col. Abu Ali, while in Sokoto and prayed Allah to grant the war hero eternal rest. Also Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Abu Ali, an indigene of the state, who was killed in an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno on Friday.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Petra Akinti-Onyegbule yesterday in Lokoja, the governor described the death of army commander as “unfortunate and a monumental loss to Kogi state and Nigeria.”

Both the federal government and Kogis state commiserated with father of the deceased, the Etsu Bassa Nge Kingdom, retired Brig.-Gen. Abu Ali and prayed God to give him and the entire people of Bassa the fortitude to bear the loss.

He is a member of the 50th Regular Course. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1998 and was commissioned on September 27, 2003. He was described by his colleagues as a gallant and brave soldier. He participated or even led many major operations in the North East, including the liberation of Mubi from the hands of Boko Haram.

He enjoyed 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. He did YOC Armour, YOC Infantry, Platoon Commander’s Course, Tank Auto Instructor’s Course, Junior Divisions Course, Scorpion Conversion Course, Command and Staff Officers Operational Skills Corps.

He participated in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), United Missions in Darfur (UNMO), among others.

Col Ali Was A Gallant Soldier, Never To Be Forgotten – PMB

President Muhammadu Buhari says the sacrifices of fallen officers and men in the war against terrorism in Nigeria would never go in vain, and that their memories would be eternally etched in the hearts and minds of fellow citizens for whose sake they laid down their lives.

Reacting to the death Colonel Abu Ali, one of Nigeria’s finest and bravest soldiers in recent history, President Buhari said in a condolence statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, that he was rudely shocked by the news of the officer’s death along with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with the Boko Haram bandits in Borno State.

According to the President, “a courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle, no matter the risks or the obvious danger.”

He explained that the late Colonel Abu Ali “was an extraordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded”, adding that “one of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face of danger. “

President Buhari the late Colonel Ali and his other fallen colleagues had brought glory to the army and the country for laying down their lives for the sake of others.

In his passionate condolence to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Army, the President also noted that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage.”

President Buhari, who personally called late Colonel Ali’s father, Brigadier-Gen. Abu Ali (Ryder) to console the family , reassured them that the death of her husband and others in battle would never go in vain. “He was a gallant soldier, never to be forgotten. He has brought a good name to the family,” said the President.

He then  called on members of the armed forces not to let the tragic incident to dampen their morale and spirit, adding that under no circumstances should the Boko Haram terrorists be allowed to destroy the will of our troops.

He said “evil should not be given any chance to defeat good and humanity”, and that “members of our armed forces should remain formidably united in the war against terrorism.”

Meanwhile, the President has appointed a high powered delegation to be led by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, that includes the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello and the Minister of State Solid Minerals Development, Baba Buhari to represent him at the funeral of Colonel Abu Ali and others tomorrow,  Monday November 7, 2016.

How Military Commander, Abu Ali Actually Died in the Hands of Boko Haram...Fresh Details Emerge

New details of events that led to the demise of a top Nigerian military commander, Abu Ali killed by Boko Haram terrorists have surfaced as his close allies begin to open up.

Had fate chosen a separate sequence of events, Muhammad Abu Ali, the lieutenant-colonel killed by Boko Haram on Friday, would
But a senior army official who spoke with TheCable on Sunday said Ali was close to leaving Mallam Fatori ahead of an army raid on Sambisa Forest.

The officer, who asked not to be named, also confirmed that Ali was not in his tank — his most prized weapon — when the attack happened.

“He was outside the tank; he was outside with his radio system. And because it was dark, nobody could exactly see the enemies who shot him,” he said.

“The firing came from behind. When these people [Boko Haram] came, he went towards that direction to see what was happening. He was not in the tank.”

He also spoke about how the soldiers who were killed with Abu may have survived if they had the most basic tool for smothering night attacks.

“You know, night attacks are always difficult,” he said.

“If you’re going for night attacks, you need your night sight — your night vision goggle — so that you can identify your targets clearly. You know what it means to fight in the dark? Confusion. You don’t know who is who.

“But I tell you what, there are only two night vision goggles to an entire battalion. In some cases, you will even find a battalion that has no single night vision goggle.”

A battalion normally comprises 700 soldiers, but the army typically deploys under-strength battalions against Boko Haram, some containing 300 to 400 soldiers.

“Ali went to Mallam Fatori, and the while thing was successful, it was after the operation that this Boko Haram attack was launched,” the official continued.

“The army was preparing for an attack in Sambisa, so Ali was to withdraw from Mallam Fatori ahead of the Sambisa operation. He was preparing to come back when this thing happened.

“There was serious preparation, which means it would happen soon. He had already received orders to withdraw from Mallam Fatori and come for onward movement to Sambisa. It also means that if Boko Haram had delayed that attack by a few days, Ali might have left Mallam Fatori alive

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a horse

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a horse ride to participate in the Mini Durbar organised as part of activities commemorating the 10th Year Anniversary of the Sultan of Sokoto at Polo Grounds, Sokoto.