Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako, Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, who was killed during a Boko Haram terrorists’ ambush on Sunday, was buried at the Military Cemetery, Maiduguri, Borno State on Tuesday as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army as well as family members broke down in tears.
The late commander was killed near Damboa in Borno.
Speaking at the burial, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, described the death as a sad moment for the family of the deceased, the Nigerian military as well as the people of Borno and the nation in general.
Zulum described the late Colonel as a gallant and dogged officer under whose command Damboa was never defeated by the Boko Haram terrorists.
According to him, the late commander remained resolute, careful and committed in discharging his duties and had contributed immensely to the fight against insurgency in the Northeast.
“He is also one of the stabilising factors in keeping Borno State during this time of insurgency not only Borno but also in Yobe State. We shall remember him forever for his contribution to the peace in Borno and Yobe States and the country in general,” he said.
The governor prayed for God to reward him with Aljana firdaus and those other officers and men who had lost their lives in the cause of discharging their duties.
He also announced that the Government of Borno would provide a befitting house for the family of the deceased officer to ensure their comfort.
He also donated N20 million to support the welfare needs of the deceased family.
“I am aware that the Nigerian army is providing scholarship for his children and we shall also support in complementing the effort of the Nigerian military.
“For the welfare of his family, Borno government shall release the sum of N20 million and the cheque will be handed over to the family latest today or tomorrow morning. At this juncture, let me once again extend my sincere appreciation to the Nigerian military,” he added.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, while reading the funeral recitation for the late officer, described him as a gallant and fearless officer whose sacrifice would forever be remembered.
Buratai stated that the late Commander had been very active in the fight against insurgency from different fronts in the Northeast theatre of operation.
Sources said that the wife of the late Commander, who broke down after the death of her husband, has been receiving treatment at the military medical facility in Maiduguri.
Family members who attended the burial were seen weeping profusely while officers and soldiers were in sober mood.
Among those at the burial were Chief of Army Staff, top Army officers and Commanders, Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume and Governor Zulum.