Nigerian army honours late Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba with full military rites

The Nigerian Army has paid its final respects to the late Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba, who was laid to rest with full military honors on Friday, March 14, 2025, in her hometown of Sambon Gida, Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

During the solemn ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede mni NAM, was represented by the Commander of 1 Division Supply and Transport, Brigadier General Philip Ebuk. In his tribute, Ebuk praised Captain Ayuba’s dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty, describing her as a model officer who served with distinction.

A statement issued by Major George Okupe, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, provided insight into her background. Born on July 9, 1987, in Shogunle, she hailed from Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

Captain Ayuba’s educational journey took her through Police Children School, Ikeja, and Toamy Private College, Egbe, before she obtained a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic. She was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on July 3, 2017, as part of the Direct Short Service Course 23.

Her career saw her serve in significant roles, including Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, and Staff Officer Grade 3 Information and Publication at 81 Division Army Public Relations. She was widely respected for her leadership, discipline, and unwavering dedication.

According to the statement, she was a highly skilled officer, who excelled in multiple professional courses, including the Young Officers’ Course (Public Relations), Media Operations Officers’ Course, and Legal Aspects of Combatting Terrorism Course. Her intelligence, teamwork, and mentorship, particularly among female soldiers, earned her admiration across the ranks. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the General Operations Medal.

Reflecting on her contributions, the COAS described her as a vibrant officer whose loss will be deeply felt by her family, the Nigerian Army, and the nation. As a final tribute, the military honored her with a 21-gun salute, and her Next of Kin received the National Flag along with her military accoutrements.