When Boko Haram overran Gamboru-Ngala, many thought the town would never return to Nigerian hands. Then a young commander said:
"Either we recapture the town, or we die trying."
That commander was Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali.
He led the 272 Task Force Battalion at the forefront of the assault that broke Boko Haram's grip on Gamboru-Ngala. He did not stay behind giving orders; he was on the front lines with his troops, boosting their morale until the Nigerian flag was raised again in the town.
The bravery he displayed shook the entire military establishment.
After this monumental victory, the then-Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, visited Gamboru-Ngala in the dead of night to congratulate and commend the troops. It was there that he announced Muhammad Abu Ali's promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel, along with a special medal of honor for his valor on the battlefield.
This was no ordinary promotion...
It was a promotion earned with blood, sweat, and self-sacrifice on the battlefield.
However, on November 4, 2016, Muhammad Abu Ali once again charged into battle against Boko Haram in Mallam Fatori, where he died fighting alongside his troops.
Some heroes live for their country... others die so that the nation may live.
🫡 May God have mercy on Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali. His heroism will be remembered forever.
#MuhammadAbuAli #NigerianArmy #BokoHaram #GamboruNgala #Nigeria