A former spokesman for the Nigerian Army, Rtd. Brig-Gen Sani Usman, has appealed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to give posthumous promotion to late Col. Dahiru Bako, who died after leading troops to clear Boko Haram ambush in Borno.
Bako, who was the Commander of the 25 Brigade, died on Monday from injuries he sustained after leading troops to clear Boko Haram ambush at Sabon Gari-Wajiroko, near Damboa in Borno.
Usman, in a tribute on Tuesday in Abuja, described the late officer as a “personification of the soldering profession’’.
He also described the deceased as “one of the most gallant, courageous and highly dedicated senior officers of the Nigerian Army’’.
“He was very dependable, hardworking, humble, a man of few words, forthright and down to earth.
“You always know where you stand with him on any issue or matter. He never complains, let alone grumbles, no matter the heat of the battle, pressure or circumstances.
“Colonel Bako was one of the heroes of our time whose contributions to the war against terrorism and insurgency are unquantifiable.
“Indeed, his impeccable records speak volumes as they earned him an enviable position as the Acting Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade, a place strictly for very senior officers beyond the rank he was at that period,’’ the former Army spokesman said.
He noted that as acting brigade commander, Bako demonstrated battlefield efficiency as he successfully liberated and secured many towns, captured a number of terrorists.
“It is therefore saddening that such a gallant officer will pay the supreme price after clearing an ambush by Boko Haram elements.’’
Usman, however, said, “Your death will not be in vain as we take solace and pride in the fact that you died for humanity.’’
He condoled with Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole and GOC 7 Division over the death of the officer.
He also condoled with troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, 25 Task Force Brigade, and late officer’s family over his demise.
According to the spokesman for 7 Division, Maiduguri, Col. Aso Isa, the late brigade commander had led troops on patrol at Sabon Gar-Wajuroko, near Damboa, to clear terrorists but met an ambush on Sunday morning.
Isa said that the commander led the troops to clear the ambush, killed a number of terrorists and recovered equipment but was wounded in action.
He said that Bako was evacuated to the 7 Division Hospital, where he was recuperating before he died on Monday morning.
NAN
