The Nigerian Army has lost a top, talented soldier and officer, Colonel D.C. Bako to Boko Haram insurgents after a deadly ambush on Damboa road.
While reporting the death of the gallant soldier, the Nigerian Army described him as one of Nigeria’s finest war heroes. According to the spokesperson for operation Lafiya Dole, Ado Isa, the colonel died of gunshot wounds sustained in the ambush by Boko Haram terrorists.
According to other reports, six other soldiers died in the attack against the colonel who was the commander of 25 task force brigade situated in Damboa.
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In its statement announcing the painful incident, the Nigerian Army was silent on the fate of the other soldiers with Colonel Bako when the incident happened.
Excerpts from the Army’s statement read,
“Operation LAFIYA DOLE wishes to intimate the general public of the demise of one of our gallant and finest war heroes Col DC Bako. It could be recalled that the professional, gallant senior officer who always led from the front and a patriotic Nigerian, led a patrol to clear Boko Haram Terrorits from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa when his patrol team entered an ambush at about 10 a.m Sunday 20 September 2020. Under his able leadership, the troops cleared the ambush resulting to the killing of scores of terrorists and recovery of weapons and equipment.
“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 successful operation at the hospital, in good spirit 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, Ameen.
“The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai on behalf of himself, gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and indeed well meaning Nigerians hereby express his heartfelt condolences to his esteemed family. We are most grateful for his contributions and sacrifices to the motherland. May God grant eternal rest to the gentle soul of Col DC Bako and the souls of all Nigerian Army officers and soldiers who paid the supreme prize in the defence of our father land.”
The recent killings and attacks by Boko Haram elements on civilians and military personnel has undermined the amnesty policy embarked upon by the Buhari administration.
Amongst other things, Nigerians have continued to clamour for the President to change the service chiefs so that the military will be better equipped to get rid of Boko Haram once and for all. Nigerians from all walks of life have also condemned the amnesty being granted to Boko Haram fighters by President Buhari on the premise that the war against the terrorists is not yet over.
The loss of a talented soldier like Colonel Bako to the cruel hands of Boko Haram terrorists has become one too many for the Nigerian state.