Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Mr Alli, who died at 79 in Lagos on November 19, 2023, was the country’s 15th chief of army staff from 1993 to 1994 during the dictatorship of Gen Sani Abacha.

He later served as the military governor of Plateau from August 1985 to 1986 during the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida, as well as interim administrator of Plateau in 2004 under the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The funeral was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Bola Tinubu, former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor Yahaya Bello, and a representative of Plateau governor.

Also in attendance were serving and former service chiefs and other prominent Nigerians and family members.

The burial was climaxed with the presentation of the national flag to the next-of-kin of Mr Alli and the laying of wreaths by dignitaries and the deceased’s wife, Dorothy Alli.

Before the burial, there was a funeral mass at St. Joseph Military Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.

Defence minister Muhammed Badaru said the deceased dedicatedly served Nigeria and worked for peace, development and unity.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the deceased had demonstrated passion and devotion to duty throughout his lifetime, which was characterised by love for country and service to humanity.

(NAN)