The Defence Headquarters has announced the names of 17 military personnel who were killed in an attack in Delta State.
The servicemen lost their lives last week in Okuama, a locality within Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, following a peacekeeping mission.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, the Defence Headquarters disclosed that the casualties included the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 other battalion members.
The Nigerian Army paid tribute on its X handle with a photo collage of the fallen personnel, stating, “May The Souls of the Departed Rest In Peace,” on Monday evening.
The Defence Headquarters listed the names of the deceased as follows:
1. Lt Col AH Ali, Commanding Officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army.
2. Maj SD Shafa (N/13976)
3. Maj DE Obi (N/14395)
4. Capt U Zakari (N/16348)
5. SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974)
6. Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274)
7. Col Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853)
8. LCol Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844)
9. Lal Sole Opeyemi (17NA/760719)
10. LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290)
11. LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653)
12. LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191)
13. Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079)
14. Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911)
15. Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162)
16. Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079)
17. Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).
Subsequently, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) declared a three-day national mourning period.
During this time, flags will be flown at half-mast at all military installations nationwide.
A directive from Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has been communicated to all three branches of the Service – the Nigerian Army, the Navy, and the Air Force – to observe this protocol.
From Monday, March 18, 2024, to Wednesday, March 20, 2024, flags will be at half-mast to honor the memory of the Armed Forces members who have fallen.
