The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has paid a heartfelt condolence visit on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, to Mrs. Dorothy Chris Alli, the widow of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Chris Alli, at his residence in Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. Accompanied by senior members of the Nigerian Army, Gen Lagbaja expressed his condolences and sympathies to the widow, who is also the one-time National President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), and other family members.
During the visit, the COAS spoke of the shocking and immense loss with the passing of Gen Alli, acknowledging the impact not only on the Nigerian Army but on the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation as a whole. He praised the late former COAS as an astute, forthright, and visionary military leader, highlighting his significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army and the defense of the nation. Gen Lagbaja assured the family that the Nigerian Army would collaborate closely with them to ensure a dignified burial for the deceased, pledging ongoing support whenever needed.
Captain Shuaibu Salawana, retired, spoke on behalf of the late COAS’s family, expressing gratitude for the timely condolence visit and the Nigerian Army’s concern for their well-being. The visit included the presentation of a bouquet of flowers to the widow and the signing of a condolence register in honor of the late COAS.
Major General Mohammed Chris Alli passed away in the early hours of Sunday, November 19, 2023, after a brief illness at the Military Hospital Lagos. To commemorate his legacy, all Nigerian Army formations and units across the country are observing a three-day mourning period, marked by hoisting the Nigerian Army flag at half-mast and wearing a black band.