The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of former army chief, Maj.-Gen. Chris Alli (retd.).

His condolences were expressed in a statement by army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu on Sunday.

The statement said the former army chief succumbed to a brief illness in the early hours of Sunday at the Military Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Alli served the army with honour and dedication in various capacities, leaving enduring prints on the sands of time,” the statement said.

“Alli’s commitment and zeal to duty manifested evidently as he rose through the ranks to become the Director, Military Intelligence (DMI), amongst several other key appointments in the Nigerian army,” it stated.

Mr Alli rose to the pinnacle of his military career as the ninth chief of army staff in November 1993 and was there until he retired from service in August 994.

Born on December 25, 1944, in Koton Karfe, Kogi, Mr Alli’s sojourn in the army began on October 20, 1967, as a member of the Emergency Short Service Combatant Course.

He served in various capacities, cutting across staff, instructional and command, and was, at a time, the military administrator of Plateau.

“The COAS, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, on receiving the disheartening news of his demise, profoundly expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late COAS.

“He prayed for the repose of his soul and the strength and solace for the family in this difficult time,” the statement said. 

(NAN)