By Ronald Mutum

The Nigerian Army Council has approves accelerated promotion and commissioning of Master Warrant Officer Garba Abdullahi to the rank of captain, Army spokesman Brigadier General Sani Usman said in a statement on Thursday.

The army spokesman said, “In recognition and reward for gallantry, unprecedented show of bravery, courage and selfless service, the Army Council on Monday 16th October 2017, approved the granting of Executive Commission to 79NA/21553 Master Warrant Officer Garba Abdullahi of 159 Battalion, Nigerian Army, to the rank of Captain for gallantry.”

He said that the accelerated promotion was due to observed outstanding qualities of military professionalism such as gallantry and dedication to service demonstrated by the Non–Commissioned Officer.

He added that Garba Abdullahi’s leadership qualities endeared him to his Commanding Officer who deemed it fit to assign him a higher responsibility as platoon commander of one of the arrow head sub-units of the Battalion.

He said the role Abdullahi played excellently to the admiration of both his superiors and subordinates alike, under his able leadership, his platoon achieved great exploits of daring, bravery and courage for which the Battalion was reputed.

Usman explained that the 159 Battalion is of one the rugged and most experienced cohesive fighting unit that makes up Operation Lafiya Dole.

He said the battalion covers five Local Government Areas in Yobe State and serves as the Brigade’s first line of defence in the northern front adjoining Niger Republic and Borno State.

He said the Battalion primarily occupies a blocking position from where it conducts Counter Terrorist and Counter Insurgency operations to defeat Boko Haram terrorists.

Usman said since their deployment into the theatre about two years ago, the unit has contributed immensely to the decimation of Boko Haram terrorists and also involved in humanitarian activities to the host communities.

He added that the elevated Abdullahi played a significant role in all the successful operations achieved by the unit.

He said Garba Abdullahi has since been decorated with the badge of his new rank of Captain at the Battalion Headquarters located in Geidam, Yobe State by his Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Owoicho Augustine Obochi, to the admiration of both officers and soldiers of the unit.

He added that, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai has congratulated the newly commissioned officer.”

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