The final rites for the former Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli, were conducted as his remains were interred at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday. Having passed away at the age of 79 in Lagos on November 19, 2023, Alli served as Nigeria’s 15th Chief of Army Staff from 1993 to 1994, during the tenure of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
The burial ceremony reached its culmination with the presentation of the National Flag to the late COAS’s next-of-kin and the laying of wreaths by dignitaries and Mrs. Dorothy Alli, the deceased’s wife.
Speaking at the funeral, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, extolled the late Alli’s dedicated service to Nigeria, emphasizing his commitment to peace, development, and unity. Badaru, represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, noted that the former COAS had a significant impact on professionalizing and repositioning the army on regional and global fronts.
He remarked, “For Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Chris Alli, his transition has exerted marvellous memories of a loving father, brother, uncle, colleague, comrade, and confidant. To many nationwide and overseas, the nostalgia in some social cycles sequel to his recent glorious passing on underscores his legacy of enviable character, patriotism, love, and service to Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Expressing gratitude for All