Despite court judgements and interventions of the national assembly, the Nigerian Army has adamantly refused to reinstate Lt Colonel Mohammed Abdulfatai who led troops in the elimination of over 200 Boko Haram terrorists in a Konduga Operation in 2014.
Lt. Col. Abdulfatai was among the 38 senior officers who were in June 2016 unlawfully retired by Army authority in flagrant disregard to the rules of engagement in the military.
On 14 January 2020, Justice Rukiya Hasstrup at National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja described the compulsory retirement of Abdulfatai as wrongful, unconstitutional, null and void adding: “the Army failed to act with respect to the law.”
Also in May 2020, Justice Edith Agbakogba granted permission that contempt of court charge be filed against the military chiefs over the alleged refusal to comply with a valid order of the court reinstating Lt Colonel Abdulfatai.
Abdulfatai was the Commanding Officer of 195 Battalion at the height of the insurgency in 2014 – 2015 in the Northeast when Boko Haram was seizing territories. He was the Commanding Officer of 195 Battalion stationed at Konduga alongside troops of 103 Battalion.
It was gathered that after the fall of Gwoza, Bama, and Kawuri, Abdulfatai led his men to defeat 8 full-scale successive attacks by Boko Haram in their quest to advance into Maiduguri, as the Konduga was the last standing location on the axis hindering their planned advance into the capital city.
He earned a commendation for gallantry for the defeat of Boko Haram during the aggressive counterattack lasting five hours and where over 200 of the insurgents were killed and many others injured.
The impressive defence of Konduga by Abdulfatai’s troops prompted the then Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minimah to send them special gifts while the then Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State paid a thank-you visit to the location.
In a letter of Commendation, the then Commander 26 Taskforce Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Konduga, Brigadier General (now serving Major General) DH Ali-Keffi wrote that: “On the night of December 1-2, 2014, the defensive position of Task Force Brigade and 21 Brigade which formed the covering force of 7 Division in Konduga front came under Boko Haram Attack.
“The assault was preceded by sustained bombardment for about one hour in which anti-aircraft guns and other heavy calibre weapons were fired at own position followed by six waves of ground offensive utilising vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) among other assets.
“At the end of the battle, Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT)suffered heavy casualties over 200 estimated killed and a great deal; more injured as attested by strewn corpses and trails of bloodstains all over the battlefield.
“The troops of the two Brigades put up a remarkable performance as only one soldier was killed. The victory achieved was to a large extent attributable to the gallantry exhibited by the troops, top of which was by you (Lt Abdulfatai).
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I observed all through the encounter how you professionally handled the forward troops, which was the main focus of the Boko Haram offensive. Throughout the period, you gave firm and effective orders over the radio which ensured that the troops in the trenches, as well as the armoured vehicles, were well-positioned to meet any and every BHT onslaught.
“You equally employed the artillery and mortar in a manner that led to serious degradation of the BHT and in the process also destroyed two VBIEDs. You skilfully integrated most of the battlefield operating systems into a cohesive and effective fighting machine.
“I was most impressed by your leadership as you displayed effective command and control of the troops during the battle. Your calmness and composure over the radio reassured the command and elicited the right response from the troops who met the enemy attack with confidence and morale.
“You equally exhibited rare and uncommon courage as you moved about the battlefield without minding the physical danger that you were exposed to. You were undoubtedly MY HERO OF THE NIGHT. I salute your courage, exemplary leadership, and professional competence.
“It is thus my singular honour and privilege to commend you for conducting yourself in a most professional manner in the face of a determined BHT offensive. You are indeed a credit, not only to your unit, the brigade but also to the whole Konduga sector. Welldone and keep it up,” General Ali-Keffi concluded.
Meanwhile, further investigation revealed that Abdulfatai led his troops in the offensive in recapturing Kawuri and Bama where he earned another letter of commendation for bravery.
His military commander in a letter with reference No: Hq26/TFBDE/G1/300/03 wrote thus: “I am delighted to observe that your action during the offensive operation of that day is worthy of commendation as you not only exhibited uncommon courage but exemplary leadership with encouraged many of the troops including my humble self.
I am particularly honoured and privileged to have engaged in combat alongside such a brave and courageous officer and gentleman like you. You have proved by your action that you are an asset to the Nigerian Army and the country at large.”