The Defence Minister Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali has described the death of Lt. Col. M Abu-Ali as a tragic and unfortunate development in the theatre of operations.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer to the Hon Minister of Defence, Col Tukur Gusau.

The Honourable Minister recieved the sad news while in Sokoto and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the war hero eternal rest.

Defence Minster described Lt. Col. Abu-Ali as a major pillar in the war against terrorism and insurgency in the North East.

Dan-Ali also expressed his condolences to the father of the deceased, the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom (Kogi state), Brig Gen Abu-Ali (Rtd), and his young family and the Nigerian Army.