Late Brigadier General Zakari Ahmadu Saidu Laid to Rest in Abuja

The Nigerian Army on Monday, September 1, 2025, laid to rest the remains of Brigadier General Zakari Ahmadu Saidu at the Guards Brigade Military Cemetery, Lungi Barracks, Abuja

According to a statement signed by the Academy Public Relations Officer, Major
M MAIDAWA said the solemn ceremony drew senior military officers, colleagues, and dignitaries, who gathered to pay their final respects to the late officer.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede, NAM, was represented at the event by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General A.K. Ibrahim, OFR. Other top officers present included the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General A.B. Ibrahim, and the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral I. Dewu.

Delivering the funeral oration, Major General Ibrahim described Brigadier General Saidu as “brilliant, resourceful, diligent, self-assured and a consummate professional with impeccable integrity.” He praised the late officer’s dedication, resilience, and service to the nation.

Born on January 19, 1971, in Kaduna, Brigadier General Saidu hailed from Kaduna North Local Government Area. He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History before proceeding to Mufta University, Jordan, where he earned a Master of Science degree. Commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps as a Second Lieutenant on September 17, 1994, he rose through the ranks to Brigadier General in 2021.

Until his death on August 31, 2025, Brigadier General Saidu served as TETFUND Desk Officer at the NDA, an appointment he assumed in January 2025. Over his career spanning more than three decades, he was decorated with numerous medals, including the Distinguished Service Star, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Command Medal, Nigerian Army Purple Heart, and the General Operations Medal. He was also a Fellow of the Royal National Defence College, Jordan.

Highlights of the funeral included reveille, a one-minute silence, the presentation of the national flag to his next of kin, a firing volley, and the sounding of the last post.

Earlier in the day, funeral prayers were held at the Guards Brigade Central Mosque, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, attended by serving and retired senior officers, soldiers, family members, and friends.

Brigadier General Saidu is remembered as a seasoned officer who served his country with honour, professionalism, and loyalty.