04/09/2025
Late Brigadier General Zakari Ahmadu Saidu Laid to Rest in Abuja
The body of the late Brigadier General Zakari Ahmadu Saidu was laid to rest at the Guards Brigade Military Cemetery, Lungi Barracks, Abuja, following a solemn funeral service attended by senior military officers, dignitaries, family members, and colleagues.
In a statement, the Academy Public Relations Officer, Major Muhammed Maidawa, said the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, NAM, was represented at the ceremony by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General AK Ibrahim, OFR. Also in attendance were senior officers from Defence and Services Headquarters, including the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General AB Ibrahim, and the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral I Dewu.
Reading the funeral oration, the NDA Commandant eulogised the late Brigadier General Saidu as “brilliant, resourceful, diligent, self-assured and a consummate professional with impeccable integrity and the resoluteness to shoulder additional responsibilities.” He praised his dedication to service and his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
Born on 19 January 1971 in Kaduna State, Brigadier General Saidu hailed from Kaduna North Local Government Area. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from the Nigerian Defence Academy and a Master of Science degree from Mufta University, Jordan. Commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps on 17 September 1994 as a member of the 41 Regular Combatant Course, he steadily rose through the ranks and attained the rank of Brigadier General in 2021.
Until his passing on 31 August 2025, he was serving at the Nigerian Defence Academy as TETFUND Desk Officer, an appointment he assumed on 20 January 2025. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was decorated with several honours, including the Distinguished Service Star, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Command Medal, Nigerian Army Purple Hear