…Declared 3 days mourning
…Fly flags half- mast
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on Sunday expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Nigerian Army (NA), on the passing of former COAS, Major General Mohammed Chris Alli (Rtd).
Alli, the former Army Chief succumbed to a brief illness in the early hours on Sunday 19 November, 2023 at the Military Hospital, Lagos.
The former COAS, a revered senior officer, served the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation with honour and dedication in various capacities, leaving enduring prints on the sands of time.
His commitment and zeal to duty manifested evidently, as he rose through the ranks to become the Director Military Intelligence (DMI), amongst several other key appointments in the Nigerian Army, climaxing his military career as the 9th COAS in November 1993, until his meritorious retirement from active service in August 1994.
Born on 25 December 1944, in Koton Karfe, Kogi State. Gen Chris Alli’s sojourn in the NA began on 20 October 1967, as a member of the Emergency Short Service Combatant Course. He served diligently in various capacities, cutting across Staff, Instructional and Command. Gen Alli was at a time, the Military Administrator of Plateau State.
A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu stated that
COAS Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on receiving the disheartening news of Alli’s demise, has profoundly expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Late former COAS, praying for the repose of his soul and the strength and solace for the family in this difficult time.
On Monday the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja declared a three day period of mourning, starting Monday 20 November 2023 in honour of the Late Maj Gen Chris Alli rtd.
Nigerian Army mourning following Alli disheartening demise on Sunday 19 November 2023.
During this time, all Nigerian Army formations and units have been directed to hoist their flags at half-mast, as a symbol of collective grief and respect. The directive also mandates all personnel to wear a black hand band in remembrance of the late former COAS.
Maj Gen Chris Alli dedicated his life to serving the nation through the Nigerian Army with indefatigable commitment and professionalism in the defence of our nation.
“In this time of grief, the Nigerian Army stands in solidarity with the family, friends and loved ones of the late Maj Gen Chris Alli,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Army charges all personnel to adhere strictly to these instructions, as a mark of honour and respect for our fallen hero. This period of mourning is an opportunity for all to reflect upon his accomplishments and the sacrifices made by our gallant soldiers in defence of our dear nation.