Retired military serviceman Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Ghani, 82, has passed away from Covid-19.

While Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed this early Friday morning, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed this is the 25th death from Covid-19 in the island nation. Ghani passed away while being treated at the Hulhumalé Medical Facility.

He was admitted on August 11 and his condition had been making progress after deteriorating two days later, according to his family.

The retired military veteran passed away at around 1:28am on Friday.

Ghani joined the military service on August 27, 1960. He retired after serving for 48 years, 11 months and four days. His role was mostly in the MNDF coastguard. Abdul Ghani had received nine colors and seven medals as military honors, for his contributions to the force.