Army To Probe Death Of Abu-ali, Other Soldiers

SAN FRANCISCO, Novmber 08, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army is making arrangement to probe the death of the Commander of the 272 Special Forces Tanks Battalion, Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali, and six of his men in a Boko Haram attack at Mallam Fatori on November 4, 2016.

THEWILL gathered that a decision had been taken to probe the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident at Mallam Fatori, while a panel of inquiry was to be set up to probe the deaths.

“The Army authorities have taken a decision to probe the death of the officer and his men, that is the arrangement but they have not constituted the panel of enquiry,” sources disclosed.

“The decision was taken shortly after the burial on Monday .

“There are so many issues on the ground. The soldiers are complaining.

“There is a likelihood of internal sabotage in the war. And to worsen the situation, some of the state Governors are not acting in a way to encourage the boys.

“Even some officials of the state government are suspected to be in collaboration with these people.

“So most of the information the Boko Haram terrorists are getting is from civilians working with some military personnel around that place,” the source added.

“They suspect the state government officials, because since the beginning of the insurgency, they (Boko Haram members) have never attacked any government official, most especially the convoy of a state governor.

“And whenever they bomb and attack anywhere, politicians would rush to the place to condole with the people of the place.”

THEWILL recalls that Abu-Ali, described as exceptionally brave and efficient Army commander, with six military men, Sgt. Mu'Azu Ibrahim, Sgt. Hussain Jafaru, Sgt. Bassey Okon, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Able Seaman Patrick Paul and Prt. Salisu Lawal was killed in a night attack by Boko Haram. http://thewillnigeria.com/news/sad-boko-haram-kills-efficient-army-commander-four-soldiers-in-night-attack/

Story by Oputah David