Zakari: Tinubu mourns former NIA DG

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director General (DG), Late Ambassador Ibrahim Zakari, who died on Sunday at the age of 81.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Tinubu through an official X handle of the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria @Presidency Nigeria on Thursday extended his condolences to the family of Zakari.

The post read “ President Bola Tinubu sends condolences to the family of Amb. Zakari Ibrahim,81, who passed on Sunday.”

“Ibrahim was a former Minister of State Foreign Affairs and the DG of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).”

“President Bola Tinubu commiserates with the Government and people of Katsina State and the Emirate Council, where the retired intelligence officer held the esteemed title of Talba.”

“At various times, the late Amb Ibrahim was the deputy national security adviser, DG of the NIA and minister of state for foreign affairs.”

“President Bola Tinubu says the deceased service to the nation as an intelligence officer, diplomat, and community leader would be remembered long after his death.”

“The president prays for the repose of his soul and urges his family and proteges to immortalize the late intelligence chief by embodying the virtues he stood for,” the post concluded.

Know more about Zakari

Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), was born in 1941 in Katsina State, Nigeria. He attended Katsina Government College alongside Nigeria’s Former President Buhari and graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Zakari was a seasoned diplomat and held the prestigious traditional title of Talban Katsina within the Katsina Emirate.

Career Highlights of Zakari

Ibrahim became the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in 1993 and served till 1998, overseeing foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations.

He held the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the early 1990s and was appointed as the Coordinator of National Anti-Terrorism Efforts by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

The former DG of NIA joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1966 and served in various diplomatic missions abroad, including Embassy of Nigeria, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, High Commission of Nigeria, London, UK, and Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, New York.

Awards and Honors of Zakari

Zakari received the National Honors Award ( Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR) and also the traditional title, Talban Katsina (Katsina Emirate).

Personal Life

He was married with children and passed away at 81 years old.

Legacy

Ibrahim was described as an illustrious son of Katsina who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities. His remarkable contributions to national security and diplomacy have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.

The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed profound grief over his passing, praying for Allah to grant him eternal bliss.

Know also about NIA

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) was established in 1986 as Nigeria’s primary foreign intelligence agency.

It is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating foreign intelligence and reports directly to the President of Nigeria.

Mandate

NIA’s mandates include gathering and analyzing intelligence on foreign governments, organizations, and individuals, conducting counter intelligence operations, providing strategic advice to the President and National Security Council, and collaborating with other intelligence agencies.

Structure

The structure of the organization is as follows: Director-General (head of agency), Departments which include Operations, Intelligence, Counterintelligence, Administration, and Regional offices and foreign missions.

Controversies and Challenges

NIA has faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement, criticisms of ineffective intelligence gathering and sharing, and challenges in addressing terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.

Reforms and Initiatives

Its reforms and initiatives include efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and sharing, modernization of infrastructure and training, and enhanced collaboration with international partners.

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