Former NIA boss, Zakari Ibrahim, dies at 81
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, has died at the age of 81.
He passed away in the early hours of Sunday.
Ambassador Ibrahim, a native of Katsina State, held the prestigious traditional title of Talban Katsina within the Katsina Emirate.
A schoolmate of former President Muhammadu Buhari at Katsina Government College, he had a distinguished career in public service.
He served as the Director-General of the NIA from 1993 to 1998 and was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the early 1990s. In 2011, he was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to coordinate national anti-terrorism efforts, further solidifying his legacy as a key figure in Nigeria’s security and diplomatic landscape.
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Ambassador Ibrahim’s remains are expected to arrive in Katsina State on Sunday afternoon for burial.
Reacting to his demise, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda expressed deep sorrow. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kaula Mohamed, Governor Radda described Ibrahim as an “illustrious son of Katsina” who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities.
“The passing of Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim represents an irreparable loss not only to Katsina State but to Nigeria as a whole. His remarkable contributions to national security and diplomacy have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. As Talban Katsina, Ambassador Ibrahim exemplified the noble values of our traditional institution and served as a bridge between tradition and modern governance,” the governor said.
Radda also highlighted the late diplomat’s role as a bridge between tradition and modern governance, praising his embodiment of noble values. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Katsina Emirate Council, and the entire people of Katsina State.
The governor prayed for Allah (SWT) to grant the departed soul Al-Jannatul Firdaus and provide the family with the strength to bear this monumental loss.