Wife Shares Phone Call with Murderers of Deceased Captain

Captain Aliyu Hajji, an officer who tragically lost his life in an ambush in Plateau State, was laid to rest on Sunday.

The late captain, originally from Anguar-kura in Lokoja, Kogi State, was attacked alongside fellow officers and local vigilantes in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government.

His family mourns this significant loss, calling it a tragedy not just for them but for the entire nation. Alhaji Danladi Abdulsalam, the head of Hajji's family and Dan Maliki of Lokoja, expressed sorrow over the incident, describing the captain as a hero who served his country with courage.

"Captain Hajji's death has left a deep void, with mourning reverberating among family, friends, and the community," he said.

Another family member, Alhaji Musa Tanimu Nasidi, emphasized that the captain's death highlights the sacrifices of Armed Forces members, who face peril daily while defending the nation.

"The valiant officer died while shielding citizens from threats against peace and security," he noted.

Known to friends and colleagues as Captain Hajji, he embodied patriotism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his duties. Just recently, he had emotional reflections on social media commemorating the anniversary of his mother’s passing.

Alhaji Nasidi recalled the tragic final moments of Captain Hajji, highlighting a phone conversation with his wife before the ambush. He stated, "Captain Hajji informed his wife that he was conducting a routine patrol with colleagues around Garga, promising to return soon."

After a long wait for his homecoming, his wife attempted to reach him through his special line multiple times without success. Subsequently, a voice identified as his assailant called her using his phone, informing her of his tragic death.

"In despair, she alerted the family, who quickly organized to reach the area. To their shock, they found Hajji’s body alongside other victims, charred beyond recognition, with only his personal bodyguard able to identify him."

Surprisingly, there were no evident bullet wounds on his body, raising further questions that necessitate investigation by authorities. The military has not yet provided an official cause of death, leaving the family without information to seek assistance for the deceased officer’s family.

Captain Hajji was interred with military honors at the Lungi Brigade Military Cemetery located in Asokoro Barracks, Abuja, following a funeral prayer held at the National Mosque, Abuja.

A solemn military procession, led by Colonel O. Olaleye, was held in tribute to the deceased officer. Military officials highlighted Hajji's service history and dedication to duty.

Present at the burial were dignitaries including Brigadier General Idris Abdulrahman, the Kuguna of Lokoja, Alhaji Hamisu Nayashi, and other community leaders, amid a large turnout of mourners.

The ceremony culminated in the symbolic presentation of the Nigerian flag to Captain Hajji’s son, Aliyu Umar, signifying the nation’s honor for the sacrifice made by his father.

Born in 1984, the captain was on the brink of promotion to Major, awaiting his decoration before the tragedy struck. He left behind two wives and four children—a son and three daughters. His father passed away a decade ago, and his mother died in the previous year.