Nigerian Army has approved the posthumous promotion of Colonel Dahiru Bako to Brigadier General.
The General and veteran of the decade’s long military campaign against Boko Haram died after a medical procedure following an ambush in September.
The prolonged ambush laid by the Boko Haram splinter faction recognized as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) led to the death of the senior officer and some members of his team.
The armour officer by training, was the Brigade Commander 25 Task Force Brigade based in the Army Super Camp 2 in Damboa local government, about 85 kilometres south-west of Borno state capital Maiduguri.
“He fought very hard and very well. He defeated many enemies of peace and protected many sons and daughters of Borno State to the extent that he gave his life defending the people” said Governor Zulum of Borno in a condolence message.
Colonel Bako was widely respected by soldiers for his bravery and leading troops in the frontline including in battles in the dreaded Alagarno forest.
In March 2019, During a routine redeployment of Nigerian Army officers and unit commanders, the Army headquarter retained Colonel Bako in sector 2 operation Lafiya Dole and subsequently made him the Chief of Staff.
The former Governor of Yobe state In January 2016, praised Colonel Bako for his exploits against Boko Haram, as commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade in Yobe State.
He described him as a professional and committed officer who epitomizes the fight against insurgency in the state.
“Across Yobe State, people are very excited with the work that Col Boko has done. Many people here associate the successes recorded against Boko Haram to the hard work of Colonel Bako and other army commanders” Gaidam said.
Bako was promoted to a Colonel in December 2014 while serving with the 27 Task Force Brigade before he was appointed as commander.
In September 2012, then lieutenant colonel Bako was in charge of troops of 233 Battalion deployed to Yobe State, as part of the military buildup to support the joint task force campaign against Boko Haram.
HumAngle has learned the recent promotion included elevations of Brigadier Generals to Major General’s, Colonels to Brigadiers and Lieutenant Colonels to Colonels.
The acting general officers commanding 7 and 8 Divisions of the Nigerian Army were also promoted.