Army,‌‌⁠‌‍‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌⁠‍‌⁠‌ Buratai, others mourn as former mililtary finance chief, Jakko dies

The Nigerian Army, former Chief of Army Staff, COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, and other senior officers on Wednesday mourned retired Maj.-Gen. Ezra Jakko, former Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army, Maj.-Gen. Taofik Sidick, described Jakko as a distinguished officer who made significant contributions to Army financial management and administration.

Sidick, who also read the funeral oration at Jakko’s funeral in Abuja, described him as a brilliant, resourceful, diligent and professional officer who demonstrated integrity, strong leadership and commitment throughout his career.

The funeral oration said Jakko received several military and international honours in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.

It described his death as a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army and the nation.

“Jakko, who died on September 10, 2026, aged 62, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on October 4, 1989, and rose to the rank of Major-General on October 4, 2017.

“He voluntarily retired from the Army on October 27, 2023, after a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.

“The late general held several key appointments, including Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army; Chief of Defence Finance and Budget; Director, Army Finance and Accounts; and Director-General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.

“He also served as Chief Instructor and Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, where he mentored young officers and imparted professional knowledge and values,” the oration stated.

Buratai, who served as COAS when Jakko was Chief of Accounts and Budget, described him as a highly professional officer who contributed significantly to the effective administration of the Army.

“With the limited resources we had, he was very prudent and accountable,” Buratai said, adding that the late general served the Army and the nation creditably.