The Nigerian Military, on Friday, held a mass burial for soldiers who lost their lives in an ambush and plane crash in Chukuba area in Shiroro Local Government of Niger State.

Recall that bandits had ambushed troops of the Nigerian Army, resulting in the death of 14 soldiers and injuring seven others.

However, the Nigerian Air Force deployed an evacuation aircraft to the area, which unfortunately crashed, claiming the lives of all passengers, including two pilots and two crew members.

LATE MAJOR SEGUN ABIODUN ONI (N/14427) AND OTHERS

2 The late senior officer has attended several courses and performed credibly, notable amongst are Young Officer’s Course Infantry, Basic Airborne and Rigger Course, Platoon Commander Battle Course in the United Kingdom, Ranger and Special Purpose Commando Course in Belarus, Green Barret Special Forces Course in the United States of America, Counter Terrorist Course in South Africa and Junior Staff Course. During his Junior Staff Course, he was remarked as a smart, energetic and hardworking officer who exhibited good military bearing and leadership qualities worthy of praise.

3. Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni proved his mettle as a professional soldier while in Service and held several appointments. Notably are, Platoon Commander 72 Special Forces Battalion, Company Second in Command Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion, Second in Command Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces Battalion. As Platoon Commander in 72 Special Forces Battalion, he was described as a very hardworking officer whose personal integrity was exemplary. As Second in Command Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces Battalion, he exhibited a high sense of commitment and intelligence in the discharge of his basic responsibilities and assigned tasks. His combat operations capability was impeccable and outstanding. He demonstrated awesome tactical knowledge and good administration, which kept his subordinates always in high morale and, in turn, yielded several operational successes.

In recognition of his distinguished service to the Nation, he was bestowed with the following decorations: River Niger Star, Passed Junior Staff Course, Golden Jubilee Medal, Centenary Medal and General Operations Medal.

LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ALFRED ANTHONY DURYUMSU (NAF/4481)

1. Late Flight Lieutenant Alfred Anthony Seth Duryumsu was born on 19 February 1995 at Dengi. He hailed from Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012 and commissioned Pilot Officer on 16 September 2017. He was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant on 22 September 2022. He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Nigerian Defence Academy. Kaduna.

2. The late officer had attended several courses, including the Primary Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna, the Flight Safety Officers’ Course at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety Kaduna and Basic Helicopter Flying Training in the USA. Similarly, he attended the MI-171 Helicopter Conversion Course, MI-171E Co-Pilot Training at 201 Composite Group Bauchi, and Air to Ground Integration Specialist and Qualification Course in Kaduna. Additionally, the late officer had undergone the Air to Ground Tactical Communication Course at Army War College Nigeria, Helicopter Instructor Pilot Training at International Helicopter Flying School, Enugu and MI-171E Recurrency Simulation Training at Czech Republic.

Until his demise, the officer had served in 401 Flying Training School as a Student Pilot, 201 Composite Group, Bauchi, as well as 115 Special Operations Group, and Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Port Harcourt, as a squadron pilot and safety officer, respectively. He was a brilliant, intelligent and highly resourceful officer with strong leadership skills who had shown a high level of initiative in the performance of his official duties. He was diligent and had demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism as a pilot. He was a highly dedicated, resourceful and gallant officer who had actively participated in military operations, including Operations HADARIN DAJI, HADIN KAI, WHIRL PUNCH, and SAFE HAVEN, amongst others. The late Flight Lieutenant Duryumsu was single, and he loved flying, reading, travelling and badminton.

LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR ADAMU (NAF/4521)

1. Late Flight Lieutenant Ibrahim Abubakar Adamu was born on 19 September 1993 at Burra. He hailed from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012 and commissioned Pilot Officer on 16 September 2017. He was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant on 22 reading. September 2022. He held a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical/Electronics) degree 4. from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

2. The late officer had attended several courses, including the Primary Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna, the Flight Safety Officers Course at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety Kaduna and the Instrument Rating Course at the United States of America. Similarly, he attended the MI-171 Helicopter Air Training Course in the Czech Republic, the MI-171E Co-Pilot Training at 201 Composite Group as well and the MI-171E Recurrency Simulation Training in the Czech Republic.

3. The late officer served at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna as a Student Pilot, and at 303 Medium Airlift Group Ilorin as an Administrative/Operations Officer. Equally, late Fight Lieutenant Adamu served at 201 Composite Group, Bauchi and 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, as a Squadron Pilot. Late Flight Lieutenant Adamu was a highly focused, intelligent and goal-oriented officer who would go the extra mile to achieve results. He was a sincere, humble and result-oriented officer who believed in teamwork. He was a highly resourceful and determined officer who had actively participated in military operations, including Operations HADARIN DAJI, HADIN KAI, WHIRL PUNCH, and SAFE HAVEN, amongst others. In the course of his military career, he displayed a high level of professionalism as a pilot.

LATE LIEUTENANT GBENGA MICHAEL ODUSAMI (N/17314)

1. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami was born on 20 May 1993 in Lagos and hailed from Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Chemistry from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2018. The late officer was granted Regular Combatant Commission as a member of Regular Course 65 on 6 October 2018 in the rank of second lieutenant. He was of the Nigerian Army Infantry and was recently promoted to captain, effective 21 September 2023. Until his death, he was serving at Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces Brigade from 19 October 2022. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami died on 13 August 2023.

2. The late officer has attended several courses and performed creditably. Some of the courses include Special Counter Terrorist Training in Pakistan, Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), Company Amphibious Operations Course and Basic Airborne Course. During his Company Amphibious Operations Course, he was said to be a verified strong swimmer, and he maintained his Class One rating throughout the course with ease. He was described as a disciplined and unassuming officer in his Young Officers’ Course report, which was confirmed during his Basic Airborne Course. He successfully went through rigorous ground training and also satisfied the five airborne jumps requirement to earn the Nigerian Army’s prestigious airborne badge.

3. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami proved his mettle as a professional soldier as a Platoon Commander at 103 Battalion, where he was found to be a focused and hardworking officer with a high sense of military bearing. He was noted to be proactive in identifying and assessing security challenges in his area of responsibility.

He was also a Platoon Commander in 153 Task Force Battalion, where he was noted with an exceptionally high ability for navigation and map reading, which he brought to bear during operations. As a Platoon August Commander in the Defence Headquarters Special Forces Battalion, he conducted several operations leading to the neutralisation and capture of several bandits and paid the supreme price in one of such operations.

LATE LIEUTENANT USMAN SHEHU ALKALI (N/18250)

1. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali was born on 25 March 1978 in Gombe and hailed from Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State. He attended Talo Waziri Primary School and Government Teachers’ College, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate and Secondary School Certificate in 1990 and 1996, respectively. He was granted Executive Commission as a member of Executive Course 1/2020 on 9 May 2020 in the rank of Lieutenant. The late officer obtained his National Diploma in Public Administration from Kogi State Polytechnic in 2014. He was of the Nigerian Army Infantry. Until his death, he was serving at 45 Battalion since 31 January 2022. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali died on 13, 2023.

2. The late officer attended the Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), where he performed creditably. During the course, he was described as a hardworking and unassuming officer who made positive contributions to classroom discussions and outdoor exercises. Though quiet in disposition, he had a good understanding of the use of English and adequately expressed himself well. He carried out his responsibilities with a high sense of commitment and proved to be physically fit as he completed the 10km mandatory Walking/Jogging and the Tactical Walk-back in good time after Exercise WAZOBIA HUNTER. As Ambush Commander in Exercise BAUTAN KASA, he effectively played his roles while exhibiting the utmost sense of responsibility.

3. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali proved his mettle as a professional soldier as a Platoon Commander at 146 Battalion, where he exhibited a good level of commitment to duty as he treated all assigned tasks with the desired urgency. He proved to be a well-groomed Infantry officer with sound military bearing.

He was also a Platoon Commander in 45 Battalion, where he was described as a disciplined, hardworking and courageous officer and was observed to be committed to duties. He participated actively in numerous operations conducted by his Battalion in Rafi, Mariga and Munya Local Government Areas. He led several fighting patrols to Kagara and environs to help his Battalion in the domination of its area of operations.

LATE 02NA/51/512 SERGEANT FAROUK MOHAMMED

1. Late Sgt Farouk Mohammed hailed from Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Farouk on 25 May 1982. He was enlisted Into the Nigerian Army as a member of 51 Regular Intake in the year 2002 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Mohammed attended various courses commensurate to his rank, where he attained a course trade classification of Special Weapon X2.

2. His last unit in the NA was 26 Bn in Sokoto, and he served the NA for a period of 21 years.

LATE 03NA/53/2083 CORPORAL IBRAHIM GARBA

1. Late Cpl Ibrahim Garba hailed from Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. He was born on 14 October 1987. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 53 Regular Intake in 2003 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Garba attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was DHQ Gar in Abuja, and he served the NA for a period of 20 years. He was a devoted Christian and happily married with children.

LATE 09NA/64/4275 CORPORAL CHIROMA POGUYAMTA

1. Late Cpl Chiroma Poguyamta hailed from Borno State. He was born into the family of Mr Chiroma on 15 April 1987. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 64 Regular Intake in the year 2009 and posted to the Infantry Corps. Chiroma attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 192 Bn in Owode, and he served the NA for a period of 13 years. He was a devoted Christian and happily married with children.

LATE 11NA/66/10694 CORPORAL ADAMA ISSAC

1. Late Cpl Adamu Isaac hailed from Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was born into the family of Mr Adamu on 28 September 1989. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 66 Regular Intake in 2011 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Isaac attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 18 Bn in Sokoto, and he served the NA for a period of II years. He was a devoted Christian and happily married with children.

LATE 11NA/66/11292 CORPORAL HARUNA JAMILU

1. Late Cpl Haruna Jamilu hailed from Hadeja Local Government Area of Jigawa State. He was born into the family of Mallam Haruna on 3 September 1991. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 66 Regular Intake in the year 2011 and posted to the Nigerian Army Armour Corps. Jamilu attended various courses commensurate to his rank, where he attained a course trade classification of Special 2. Forces XI.

2. His last unit in the NA was 242 Recce Bn in Monguno, and he served the NA for a period of 11 years. He was a devoted Muslim and happily married with children.

LATE 12NA/68/5890 CORPORAL SAMAILA BASHIRU

1. Late Cpl Samaila Bashiru hailed

Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Samaila on 13 July 1990. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 68 Regular Intake in 2012 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Bashiru attended various courses commensurate to his rank where he attained a course trade classification of Watermanship XI.

2. His last unit in the NA was 4 Demo Bn in Jaji, and he served the NA for a period of 11 years. He was a devoted Muslim and happily married with children.

LATE ABLE REGULATOR SULEIMAN MAHMUD KAILANI OFFICIAL NUMBER-X14168

Late Able Regulator Suleiman Mahmud Kailani X14168 was born to the family of Mr Suleiman Kailani on 10 May 1992 in Garku Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. He attended Trust Academy Primary School Garaku from September 1998 July 2003. – Thereafter, he proceeded to Government Secondary School Aloce, Akwanga Local Government Area from 2008-2011. In his pursuit of knowledge, he also attended Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Late Able Regulator Suleiman Mahmud Kailani’s passion for the military was his motivation for joining the Nigerian Navy on 9 July 2012. Accordingly, he underwent Basic Military Training at Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) Batch 21 in Onne Port Harcourt, Rivers State. On successful completion of the Basic training, he served both onboard and ashore. Some of the ships he served are Naval Unit Abuja, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and Nigerian Navy Ship WEY from where he was drafted to Defence Special Force and subsequently deployed for OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH in Bida, Niger State where he met his untimely death.
LATE NAF19/35900 CORPORAL JAURO AMOS

1. Late Corporal Jauro Amos was born on 15 November 1995. He hailed from Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 40/2019 on 19 August 2019 and allotted Regiment speciality on completion of his Basic Military Training.

2. Until his demise, the airman had served in 213 Forward Operations Base Katsina, Air Force Military School Jos, 371 Nigerian Air Force Detachment Warri, (now 320 Forward Operations Base), 25 Force Protection Wing Kerang, Defence Headquarters Operation Thunder Strike (Special Operations Forces). He was a disciplined, determined and courageous airman who had participated actively in many military operations. As a Special Force personnel, his proficiency in weapon handling and marksmanship made him stand out among his peers. Late Corporal Jauro Amos was single. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

LATE 12NA/68/5192 LANCE CORPORAL SUNDAY OKOPI

1. Late LCpl Sunday Okopi hailed from Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. He was born into the family of Mr Sunday on 25 February 1992. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 68 Regular Intake in the year 2012 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Okopi attended various courses commensurate to his rank, where he attained a course trade classification of Band Al.

2. His last unit in the NA was 4 Demo Bn in Jaji, and he served the NA for a period of 11 years. He was a devoted Christian.

LATE 13NA/70/3552 LANCE CORPORAL EKPEYONG EDET

1. Late LCpl Ekpeyong Edet hailed from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. He was born into the family of Mr Ekpeyong on 02 July 1993. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 70 Regular Intake in the year 2013 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Edet attended various courses commensurate to his rank, where he attained a course trade classification ofWatermanship X2.

2. His last unit in the NA was 4 Demo Bn in Jaji, and he served the NA for a period of 9 years. He was a devoted Christian.

LATE NAF13/28034 LANCE CORPORAL ALARIBE DANIEL NNAMDI

1. Late Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel Nnamdi was born on 15 December 1993. He hailed from Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 32/2014 on 15 August 2014 and allotted Aircraft Technician as a trade.

2. Until his demise, the airman served in 115 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt and 201 Composite Group Bauchi. He was a very loyal, diligent and very hardworking aircraft technician who would give his best without complaint. He had participated in numerous military operations as a flight technician on the MI-171E helicopter across the country. Late Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel Nnamdi was married with a son. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

LATE NAF14/28578 LCPL BRIGGS STEPHEN

1. Late Lance Corporal Briggs Stephen was born on September 22, 1995. He hailed from Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 34/2015 on 14 June 2015 and allotted Aircraft Technician as a trade. Until his demise, the airman had served in 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja Lagos, as well as 413 Force Protection Group, Kaduna.

He was a highly disciplined, very hardworking and calm airman. He participated actively in various aircraft maintenance and military operations across the country as an aircraft technician. The late Lance Corporal Briggs Stephen was single.

LATE 16NA/75/1484 LANCE CORPORAL YAKUBU AYUBA

1. Late LCpl Yakubu Ayuba hailed from Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Yakubu on 02 March 1994. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 75 Regular Intake in the year 2016 and posted to the Nigerian Army Signal Corps. Ayuba attended various courses commensurate to his rank, where he attained a course trade classification of Radio Operator B3.

2. His last unit in the NA was 54 Signal Bde in Enugu, and he served the Nigerian Army for a period of seven years. He was a devoted Muslim.

LATE 16NA/75/4442 LANCE CORPORAL NURA MOHAMMED

1. Late LCpl Nura Mohammed hailed from Gabasawa Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Mohammed on November 3, 1997. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 75 Regular Intake in the year 2016 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Nura attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 6 Div Gar in Port Harcourt, and he served the Nigerian Army for a period of seven years. He was a devoted Muslim.

LATE 20NA/79/4397 PRIVATE HABIB ALIYU

1. Late Pte Habib Aliyu hailed from Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Mallam Habib on January 9, 1999. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 79 Regular Intake in 2020 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Aliyu attended various courses commensurate to his rank

2. His last unit in the NA was 2 Bn, and he served the Nigerian Army for a period of three years. He was a devoted Muslim.

LATE 20NA/79/4412 PRIVATE TANKO WAJE

1. Late Pte Tanko Waje hailed from Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was born into the family of Mallam Waje on September 6, 2000. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 79 Regular Intake in 2020 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Tanko attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 2 Bn, and he served the NA for a period of three years. He was a devoted Muslim.

LATE NAF17/33175 AIR CRAFTMAN ABUBAKAR ABDULRAHAMAN

1. Late Aircraftman Abubakar Abdulrahaman was born on February 4, 1999. He hailed from Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 38/2017 on February 2, 2018, and allotted Regiment Specialty as a trade.

2. Until his demise, the airman had served in the following units: 201 Composite Group Bauchi, 407 Air Combat Training Group, Kainji, National Air Defence Corp, Lagos, 320 Forward Operations Bara, Warr and Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces (Operation Thunder Strike). He was a highly disciplined, smart and well-behaved airman. He was a calm, very hardworking and highly religious airman. As a Special Force personnel, his proficiency in weapon handling and marksmanship made him stand out among his peers. The late Aircraftman Abubakar Abdulrahaman was single.