President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said the sacrifices of fallen officers and men in the war against terrorism in Nigeria would never go in vain.

He said their memories would be eternally etched in the hearts and minds of fellow citizens for whose sake they laid down their lives.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President was reacting to the death of Col. Abu Ali.

Shehu quoted Buhari as saying that he was shocked by the news of the officer’s death along with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with the Boko Haram bandits in Borno State.

The President said, “A courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle, no matter the risks or the obvious danger.

“The late Colonel Abu Ali was an extraordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded.

“One of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face of danger.”

The President said the late Ali and his other fallen colleagues had brought glory to the army and the country for laying down their lives for the sake of others.

He  noted that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage.”

Buhari was said to have called late Ali’s father, Brig.-Gen. Abu Ali (retd.), to console the family and reassured them that the death of Ali and others in battle would never go in vain.”

He then  called on members of the armed forces not to let the tragic incident to dampen their morale and spirit, adding that under no circumstances should the Boko Haram terrorists be allowed to destroy the will of our troops.

He said, “Evil should not be given any chance to defeat good and humanity, and that members of our armed forces should remain formidably united in the war against terrorism.”

Meanwhile, the President has appointed a high powered delegation to be led by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, that includes the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello and the Minister of State Solid Minerals Development, Baba Buhari, to represent him at the funeral of Ali and others on Monday.