The Nigerian Army and senior officers, including former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, are mourning the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Ezra Jakko, former Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army. Jakko died on September 10, 2026, at the age of 62. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Taofik Sidick, paid tribute to Jakko, describing him as a distinguished officer who made significant contributions to Army financial management and administration.
Maj.-Gen. Taofik Sidick read the funeral oration at Jakko's funeral in Abuja, describing him as a brilliant, resourceful, diligent, and professional officer who demonstrated integrity, strong leadership, and commitment throughout his career. The oration highlighted Jakko's several military and international honors in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation. His death was described as a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army, and the nation.
Jakko 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. During his career, Jakko held several key appointments, including Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army, and Chief of Defence Finance and Budget.
The late general also served as Director, Army Finance and Accounts, and Director-General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation. Additionally, he was Chief Instructor and Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, where he mentored young officers and imparted professional knowledge and values. His contributions to the effective administration of the Army were significant, particularly during his tenure as Chief of Accounts and Budget.
Buratai, who served as COAS when Jakko was Chief of Accounts and Budget, paid tribute to Jakko, describing him as a highly professional officer who contributed significantly to the effective administration of the Army. Buratai noted that Jakko was very prudent and accountable, especially during a period of limited resources. He added that the late general served the Army and the nation creditably.
The Nigerian Army and other dignitaries at the funeral acknowledged Jakko's dedication and service to the nation. His legacy in the area of financial management and administration is expected to be remembered for a long time. The Army's leadership has expressed its commitment to upholding the values and principles that Jakko stood for during his career.
Jakko's burial and funeral marked the end of an era for the Nigerian Army, with many officers and senior officials gathering to pay their respects to a distinguished colleague. The Army's tributes to Jakko reflect his impact on the institution and his contributions to its growth and development over the years.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army is mourning the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Ezra Jakko, a distinguished officer who made significant contributions to Army financial management and administration.
- Jakko died on September 10, 2026, at the age of 62, after a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.
- The late general received several military and international honors in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.
