Boko Haram: Army rewards 37 officers, soldiers for gallantry + full list

The Nigerian Army has rewarded 37 officers and soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole in recognition of their gallantry in the ongoing counter insurgency campaign in the North East.
The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator in the Boko Haram fight, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday.
Iliyasu disclosed that the 37 officers and soldiers were identified by the military authorities in its periodic assessment of the conduct of troops under the OPLD.
He said the personnel were found to have distinguished themselves on the battle field for outstanding gallantry, professionalism, profound commitment, exemplary conduct and other sterling qualities in the face of the adversary for meritorious awards.
According to him, while the distinguished officers are to be given Special Letters of Commendation, the soldiers on the other hand would each be granted special promotions to their next higher ranks.
Iliyasu said: “The rewards are typical of the Nigerian Army’s usual practice of duly recognising unique acts of undeniable gallantry as well as commitment to the service of our fatherland.
“It is meant to inspire their colleagues to always strive for excellence in the discharge of their professional undertakings.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigerian Army congratulates and commends the beneficiary officers and soldiers for their resilience, doggedness and patriotism in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP criminals.
“He urged them to keep up with the good work as the Nigerian Army is committed to ending the insurgency and other security challenges confronting the country.”
Iliyasu disclosed that among the officers awarded are two Brigadier Generals, one Colonel, four Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, five Captains and four Lieutenants.
He added that the soldiers rewarded also included two staff Sergeants, six Corporals, three Lance Corporals and eight Privates.
Iliyasu listed the officers to include Brigadiers General Olufemi Oluyede, Commander 27 Task Force Brigade; and Ahmadu Mohammed, immediate past Commander 26 Task Force Brigade Gwoza.
Colonel Mohammed Babayo, Commandant Army Super Camp, Benisheik, was also considered for the award.
Others include Lieutenant Colonels Isah Yusuf, Commanding Officer 158 Task Force Battalion; Abayomi Biobaku, Commanding Officer 159 Battalion; Jerry Maigari, Commanding Officer 251 Task Force Battalion; and Tajudeen Lamidi, Commanding Officer 192 Battalion.
Also on the list are Majors Michael Ndubuisi, Army Headquarters Strike Group; Abdullahi Muhammad, 212 Battalion.
Also on the list is Captains Emeka Chukwu, who works at the Headquarters Theatre Command; Audu Kure, 192 Battalion; Alhassan Abdulkadir, 192 Battalion; Festus Fatunberu, 212 Battalion; and Haruna Dabai, Headquarter 7 Division; Baba Mala, 3 Battalion (Main); Osazee Asemota, 144 Battalion; Jeremiah Abomchi, 212 Battalion; and Suleiman Kirikpo, 231 Battalion.
Others are Staff Sergeants Aminu Ashiru, Headquarter Sector 2; Isah Umar, 19 Battalion (Main).
The Corporals are Udom Innocent, Headquarters Theatre Command; Tochukwu Okongwu, Mobile Strike Team 5; Kabiru Sule, Headquarter Sector 2; Bala Yahaya, Sector 3 Military Intelligent Brigade; Bello Yakubu, Army Special Forces Command; and Bombadier Ayuba Nyajon, 376 Mixed Artillery Regiment.
The Lance Corporals are Marafa Mohammed, 212 Battalion; Faruk Mohammed, 212 Battalion; and Ekiozgha Tobias, 115 Battalion.
The Privates: Hamisu Danbaba, 109 Special Forces Battalion; Adeyemo Tunde, 123 Special Forces Battalion; Yunusa Abdulazeez, 123 Special Forces Battalion; Akinpelu Babatunde, 123 Special Forces Battalion; Akinyemi Caleb, 123 Special Forces Battalion; Omilani Ojo, 123 Special Forces Battalion; Murtala Sani, 123 Special Forces Battalion; and Enoch Stanley, 109 Special Forces Battalion.
Iliyasu added in the statement: “It is pertinent to note that, while the distinguished officers are to be given Special Letters of Commendation, the soldiers on the other hand are each to be granted special promotions to their next higher ranks.
“The rewards are typical of the Nigerian Army’s usual practice of duly recognising unique acts of undeniable gallantry as well as commitment to the service of our fatherland. It is meant to inspire their colleagues to always strive for excellence in the discharge of their professional undertakings.
“The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai on behalf of officers and men of the Nigerian Army congratulates and commends the beneficiary officers and soldiers for their resilience, doggedness and patriotism in the fight against Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province criminals and urges them to keep up with the good work as the Nigerian Army is committed to ending the insurgency and other security challenges confronting the country.”