The Nigerian Army, government officials, and the Bassa-Nge Kingdom have bid their final farewell to Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd), the respected senior officer, former military administrator of Bauchi State, and esteemed traditional ruler who passed away on November 24, 2025.
The distinguished officer was laid to rest in his hometown of Gboloko Bassa, Kogi State on Wednesday with full military honours and in accordance with Islamic rites, as confirmed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi in an official statement from Lokoja.
National Tributes Pour In
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed profound condolences to the family and celebrated the late officer's enduring legacy of professionalism. "Brigadier General Abu Ali was a beacon of honour, a pillar of military ethics, and a leader whose selfless dedication to the Nigerian Army will continue to inspire generations," he stated.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, represented by State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), described the departed traditional ruler as a unifying force whose leadership brought significant development and cohesion to his people. He emphasized that the loss extends beyond Kogi State to affect the entire nation.
A Life of Distinguished Service
During the funeral oration delivered by Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi on behalf of the Army Chief, the remarkable life and career of Brigadier General Abu Ali were highlighted. Born in 1945 in Gboloko, Kogi State, he began his military journey in 1963 and served until his retirement as a Brigadier General in 1999.
His extensive professional military training spanned several countries, including the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, and the United States, where he was recognized for his exceptional discipline, leadership qualities, and ability to build strong relationships with both peers and instructors.
Throughout his distinguished career, he held numerous key command and staff positions:
- Squadron Commander in 3 Reconnaissance Regiment
- Deputy Adjutant and Quarter Master General at Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps
- Military Administrator of Bauchi State
- Deputy Military Secretary 1 at Army Headquarters
- Director of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command
- Commander of the 15 ECOWAS Monitoring Group Brigade
- Deputy Chief of Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Agency
- Commandant of the Armoured Corps Centre and School
A Legacy of Patriotism and Sacrifice
The late Brigadier General Abu Ali was also the father of the heroic Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, one of Nigeria's most decorated fallen soldiers whose bravery in combating insurgency remains a symbol of national pride and sacrifice. This shared legacy underscores a family deeply committed to courage, patriotism, and devotion to Nigeria.
The burial ceremony attracted senior officers from Army Headquarters Abuja, Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, spiritual leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, and other dignitaries. Key ceremonial elements included final prayers, the lowering of the national flag, and the presentation of national colours to the next of kin.
The Nigerian Army has extended its deepest condolences to his family, the Bassa-Nge Kingdom, and all Nigerians during this period of mourning. Brigadier General Abu Ali will be remembered as a patriot, statesman, traditional custodian, and enduring symbol of honour whose legacy continues to illuminate the path of service for future generations.
