The remains of a gallant Nigerian Army officer, Captain Aliyu Umar, who was recently killed while serving his country, were on Sunday laid to rest with full military honours at the Lungi Brigade Military Cemetery, Asokoro Barracks, Abuja.
Earlier, the funeral prayer for the late officer was observed at the National Mosque Abuja, where family members, military personnel, community leaders and sympathisers gathered to pray for the repose of his soul.
The burial ceremony at the cemetery was marked by a solemn military parade conducted in honour of the deceased. The parade was led by Colonel O. Olaleye, alongside other senior officers of the Nigerian Army.
During the ceremony, the military authorities read the biography of the late Captain, highlighting his service record and commitment to duty. According to the citation, Captain Umar distinguished himself as a courageous and disciplined officer who maintained a high level of professionalism throughout his career.
The late officer reportedly served as a platoon commander and participated in several operations, including assignments in Sapele and other security operations in the Niger Delta region, where he demonstrated bravery and leadership in the line of duty.
Described by colleagues as courageous, forthright and gentle, Captain Umar was said to have earned the respect of both his superiors and subordinates.
Among dignitaries present at the burial were Brigadier General Idris Abdulrahman, the Kuguna of Lokoja, Alhaji Hamisu Nayashi, the Dama of Lokoja, Alhaji Sulaiman Baba, community leaders and thousands of mourners who came to pay their last respects.
Speaking with journalists after the burial, the head of the family and Dan Maliki of Lokoja, Alhaji Danladi Abdulsalam, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
In an emotional voice, he described the late Captain as a promising officer whose death was not only a great loss to his family but also to Nigeria.
The high point of the ceremony was the symbolic handing over of the Nigerian flag to the deceased’s son, Aliyu Umar, by military authorities, signifying the nation’s recognition of the sacrifice made by the fallen officer.
Captain Umar’s death has been widely mourned by family members, colleagues and members of his community, who described him as a hero who died in the service of his fatherland.
