Former Army Chief Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya Mourns Buhari, Hails Late President’s Legacy of Integrity and National Service
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), CFR, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of “honesty, integrity, discipline, and patriotism” whose leadership left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s national history.
In a heartfelt condolence message issued on Saturday, General Yahaya, who served as Nigeria’s Army Chief from May 2021 under Buhari’s administration, paid glowing tribute to the late President who died in London at the age of 82.
“It is with solemn submission to the will of Allah, deep sorrow, and profound respect that I mourn the passing of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,” the retired Army Chief stated. “His life exemplified honesty, integrity, discipline, and patriotism. He led with simplicity and a resolute commitment to national service.”
Recalling his personal relationship with the late leader, Yahaya expressed gratitude for the trust President Buhari placed in him by appointing him Chief of Army Staff in 2021 and supporting his efforts in leading counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
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“Throughout my tenure, President Buhari provided me with strategic direction, consistent support, and the enabling environment to succeed—particularly in the fight against Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping,” he said.
The former Army Chief credited Buhari with professionalizing and strengthening the Nigerian Army, noting that improvements in equipment, training, and operational capability were major legacies of the administration’s approach to national security.
“Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army became more professional, better equipped, and more effectively trained to tackle contemporary security challenges,” he noted. “These achievements are directly attributed to President Buhari’s visionary leadership, guidance, and commitment to national security.”
Extending his condolences, General Yahaya reached out to the Buhari family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Daura, the people of Katsina State, and Nigerians at large, acknowledging the profound national and continental impact of Buhari’s passing.
“Nigeria has lost a patriot. Africa has lost a statesman. Humanity has lost a man of honour,” he declared. “May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward his noble deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, amen.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, a former military Head of State and two-term civilian President, left office in 2023 after serving from 2015 to 2023. His death has continued to draw tributes from within Nigeria and around the world.
