Graphic Details of How Gallant Lt Col Abu Ali Lost His Life in Boko Haram Territory

The last moments of the Lt Col Abu Ali were graphically captured by his colleague Jass jegs on his X handle:

“I received a message today that brought back memories of my conversation with Late Col Abu-Ali. We were preparing to recapture Malam-Fatori after successfully retaking Kangarwa. During lunch, I would often set aside food and water for the birds and lizards, as the harsh weather made it difficult for them to survive. Reason why from kangarwa to hell fire is just 20 naira. We sat down discussing with him when he shared a profound message with us,

“Look at the country and consider the numbers. If any of us were to die, the national flag wouldn’t be lowered, and our colleagues wouldn’t stop fighting. We must understand the risks of our job and not seek fame, for our reward lies in heaven, not on earth.’ Then he asked me do i think he’s not scared? I replied NO!  given his bravery in leading from the front. However, he shared a personal experience from the Kuros attack, where he had fainted and was overwhelmed by fear.

“He told me that faithful day, he was so scared even after the whole scenario and even after he regained consciousness. For some secs, he couldn’t operate anything cause so many thoughts kept running through his mind. I told him that’s different, if I was in that position I would think of so many things but not fear.I told him that I, too, had faced fear, but it was the sudden death of my brother and Late Lt Col Shonva in Damboa that made me confront and overcome it.

“I narrated what happened and how I called my dad that I can’t cope anymore I want to come back home. Till today, My dad’s words still echo in my mind: ‘Which home are you coming back to? If everyone who lost colleagues during several battles back then had retreated, do you think I would be walking freely all through my years before joining the military’?