Lt Col Muhammad Abu Ali was killed on Friday during an ambush by Boko Haram militants.
He died during a confrontation with the insurgents who attacked the 119 Battalion, Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori in a failed attempt to capture the town in Borno state.
The late lieutenant colonel became famous for his bravery when he led one of the fiercest battles ever with Boko Haram, in February 2015, leading to the recapture of Baga town in Borno State.
As a result of his exceptional bravery and gallantry, he was given 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.
Nigerians have been paying tributes to the man who sacrificed his life while defending the country.
Here are some of them:
https://twitter.com/APCNigeria/status/795170681885429760
Legendary T72 Tank commander,
Lt Colonel Abu Ali K*I*A. Rest in Perfect Peace Patriot (RIJF).
Thank you for your sacrifice pic.twitter.com/0Mm5KkpJn9— Murtala (@Murtalaibin) November 5, 2016
Very very sad! Thank you Lt Col. Muhammad Abu Ali. Please take a moment to pray for him and his beautiful family. Allah ya jikansa. pic.twitter.com/2agKunBg1R
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) November 5, 2016
May Allah grant "Abu Ali" jannatu firdaus, forgive him his misdeed and He grant his family the strength to be steadfast…Amin!
— Reform The World (@el_turawa) November 6, 2016
RIP warrior Lt col Abu-ali
— Engr. INtelli~GentlemaN (@mujiiks) November 6, 2016
Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali died at the battle field, so that we could live a peaceful life.
Rest in peace, Dear Soldier.
— Arc Sayuti (@sayutee1) November 6, 2016
You guys don't need to wonder why Lt Col M. Abu Ali was much loved. He led from the front and that is what inspires men. Lesson for leaders.
— Eze (@bolikes) November 6, 2016
May Almighty God bless the soul of Lt Col Muhd Abu-Ali and many of our departed combatants pic.twitter.com/vuMmroZxBV
— Abdulmumin Jibrin (@AbdulAbmJ) November 6, 2016
good bye to a solider who left the comfort zone to fight the insurgents. your efforts would not be in vain.
president buhari, this is the time for you to encourage other living solider by funding the education of his little child and show to the world that our government recognize their efforts