President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the nation’s condolences following the demise of retired Maj. Baita Bashir, whom he described as “a gallant military man and trainer of fighters.’’
Late Bashi was born in 1926 in Kano City, joined the Army in 1952, when it was the West African Frontier Force, and was first trained in Zaria before further instructions in Ghana, Russia, UK and Germany.
In a tribute, President Buhari described the late Major, popularly called “Captain Baita” as an outstanding soldier who earned the nation’s gratitude in many ways.
He said: “We mourn a great military warrior who won our nation’s gratitude for an outstanding military service.
“We remember his service to the nation during the Civil War, the Maitatsine Crisis in Kano and before then, his successful operations in the Congo.
“His dedication to our nation and his exemplary leadership capabilities will continue to inspire our Armed Forces.
“My thoughts are with his family and those mourning the distinguished military warrior and a fine human being. May his soul Rest In Peace,” the president added.