A Nigerian military commander, Colonel D C Bako, has died after an ambush on his convoy by Boko Haram militants in the north-eastern Borno State.
The colonel’s convoy was ambushed by militants near Damboa, a few kilometres from Maiduguri, the main city in Borno State. He was evacuated to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Colonel Bako was the commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, where the military is battling Boko Haram insurgents.
His passing was announced by Ado Isa, spokesman of the army’s local operation, known as Lafiya Dole.
Tribute to war hero
“Operation Lafiya Dole wishes to intimate the general public of the demise of one of our gallant and finest war heroes Col D C Bako,” a statement signed by Isa said.
He described the late officer as one of Nigeria’s “gallant and finest war heroes”.
Colonel Bako is the latest high-profile casualty since the Boko Haram insurgency began over a decade ago.
The statement said the commander had been recuperating well after undergoing surgery successfully but suffered a setback.
It eulogised Bako for his leadership and commitment to fighting Boko Haram militants until his death.
Six other soldiers slain
Meanwhile, reports from Borno suggest that six other military officers died alongside Bako following the ambush.
The army statement neither confirmed nor denied the reports. However, it praised the dead commander for dedicating his career to helping save lives.
“Under his able leadership, the troops cleared the ambush, resulting in the killing of scores of terrorists and recovery of weapons and equipment,” the statement said.
“Sadly, however, he was wounded in action and immediately evacuated by the Air Task Force Operation Lafiya Dole to the 7 Division Hospital at Maimalari Cantonment.
“The late senior officer was recuperating well after a successful operation at the hospital, in good spirits, and also said his prayers in the early hours of this morning before his sad passing at the hospital. May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest.”
The Nigerian army has suffered many setbacks since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009.
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