A former Director General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, has passed away at the age of 81.
According to a statement released by his family, he died in Abuja following a brief illness.
The late Talban Katsina was interred at Dantakun Cemetery in Katsina after a funeral prayer conducted at the Katsina Emir’s palace at 4:45 pm.
Governor Dikko Radda, along with his chief of staff, Jabiru Tsauri, and other government officials, attended the funeral service.
The emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, along with his district heads and other dignitaries, including the former DG of NIA, Sardaunan Katsina, and Ambassador Abubakar Ahmed, were also present.
Governor Radda expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the esteemed diplomat, honouring him as a distinguished son of Katsina who served Nigeria with great dedication in various roles, including as Director General of NIA, Deputy National Security Adviser, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
“The passing of Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim represents an irreparable loss not only to Katsina State but to Nigeria as a whole,” Governor Radda stated in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
“His remarkable contributions to national security and diplomacy have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.”
The Governor highlighted the deceased’s dedication to public service and his role in elevating Katsina State’s standing in national affairs.
“As Talban Katsina, Ambassador Ibrahim exemplified the noble values of our traditional institution and served as a bridge between tradition and modern governance,” he said.
Governor Radda extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Katsina Emirate Council, and the entire people of Katsina State.
He prayed for Allah (SWT) to grant the departed soul Al-jannatul Fridaus and give the family the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, Dujiman Katsina, has expressed profound sorrow regarding the passing of Talban Katsina.
Ahmed, who serves as the representative for the Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, acknowledged the significant contributions of the late Talban Katsina to the enhancement of the nation’s security framework during his tenure as the Director-General of the NIA and National Counter-terrorism Coordinator.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Sardauna Francis, the lawmaker conveyed his deep sadness upon learning of the death of Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, Talban Katsina, describing him as an invaluable asset who played a crucial role in fostering peace in Nigeria.
He characterized the late ambassador as a remarkable individual and a strong supporter whose efforts towards the peace and stability of the nation will be remembered.
Dujiman Katsina also extended his heartfelt sympathies to the Katsina Emirate Council, particularly to the Emir, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, in light of this significant loss.
As noted by the fifth Wazirin Katsina, Prof. Abubakar Sani Lugga, in his writings on the great province and Dikko Dynasty, as referenced by Alhaji Musa Gambo Kofar soro, the late Ambassador Zakari was born in Katsina on March 15, 1943, into the family of the renowned warrior Iyan Katsina ZAKARI (his grandfather).
His father was a distinguished Middle School Headmaster and later held the titles of Iyan Katsina and Talban Katsina, Alhaji Ibrahim Mashi.
He completed his secondary education at Provincial Secondary School Katsina (1957-62) and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Bayero University Kano (1969-72). Additionally, he obtained a Diploma in Education Administration from the University of Birmingham (1973-74) and a Master’s degree from the University of Sheffield (1974-1975).
He followed in the footsteps of his late father, eventually becoming a principal in multiple secondary schools within the former Kaduna State before entering the Civil Service in 1980.
From 1987 to 1990, he served as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Niger Republic. In 1990, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and took on the role of National Coordinator for the Annual Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca.
He held the position of Deputy National Security Advisor and subsequently became the Head of the National Intelligence Agency until his retirement from the Civil Service in 1999. He succeeded his late father, Alhaji Ibrahim, as The Talban Katsina.
His contributions earned him numerous national and international accolades, including an honorary Doctorate Degree from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto and the Medal of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He was known for his quiet philanthropy, providing assistance to individuals and communities. Additionally, he was a founding member and Grand Patron of the Katsina Islamic Foundation, which promotes the Katsina Islamic University Project.
