Army decorates Babatunde Zubairu, Emmanuel Maidawa with new rank of Major in Kano

By Saminu Yakubu

The Nigerian Army has officially recognized the accomplishments of Captain Babatunde Zubairu and Captain Emmanuel Maidawa by bestowing upon them the new rank of Major, representing a noteworthy milestone for the 3 Brigade in Kano.

SolaceBase reports that the promotion followed the Army Council’s approval of the 2025 promotion cycle, which assessed officers based on leadership capacity, operational effectiveness and professionalism amid ongoing security operations across the country.

The “pipping” ceremony, which took place on Tuesday at the Brigade headquarters, Bukavu Barracks, was held to honour both officers for their exceptional operational proficiency and steadfast commitment to the military’s goals in the North West region.

Read Also: Nigerian Army promotes 105 senior officers

The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, charged the newly promoted and decorated majors to see the elevation as recognition of their efforts, dedication and demanding more commitment.

He urged them to justify their advancement through continued loyalty and selfless service.

He highlighted that the rank of Major entails increased responsibility, requiring them to lead by example and mentor the junior officers under their command.

The decoration ceremony was witnessed by Commodore AA Madawaki, the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, and Commander 455 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore M Suleimon.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Kano, Commodore AA Madawaki and Editor-in-Chief of SolaceBase online newspaper, Malam Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, decorated Major Babatunde Zubairu, while Commander 455 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore M Suleimon, decorated Major Emmanuel Maidawa with his wife.

In his citation, Major Zubairu, serving as the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, was said to have solidified his position as the principal spokesperson for military communications in Kano State.

Renowned for his proactive media strategies, Zubairu has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the military and civilian communities. His efforts have been particularly noted in border areas such as Tsanyawa and Bagwai, where transparent reporting has contributed to restoring public confidence amid threats posed by kidnapping syndicates.

In addition, Major Zubairu’s promotion follows an illustrious career in high-intensity zones. He previously held the position of Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for Sector 3 Operation Hadin Kai and the Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno.

His work documenting the frontline struggle against insurgency in the Northeast has earned him several accolades, including a Commendation Award from Major General AE Abubakar.

Read Also: SolaceBase hosts reception as legal, media stakeholders laud its professionalism

Also, Major Emmanuel Maidawa’s recent promotion was said to have reflected the Army’s acknowledgement of specialized leadership within its chaplaincy.

Major Maidawa, an ordained priest and seasoned veteran of the United Nations Mission in Darfur, has devoted numerous years to offering spiritual guidance and moral support to soldiers stationed in some of the country’s most unstable areas, including Madagali during Operation Lafiya Dole.

Moreover, Major Maidawa’s decoration signifies a transition to greater strategic responsibilities as the Acting Assistant Director of Chaplain Services Protestant (ADDCSP). His career has been distinguished by a distinctive dual mission: maintaining the spiritual resilience of soldiers while fulfilling his duties as a professional officer within the tactical framework of the 143 Rangers Battalion and the 343 Artillery Regiment.

The two celebrants restated their commitment and dedication to the Nigerian Army while appreciating their elevation.

The event was concluded with a celebration involving family members and colleagues, symbolizing the collective support system behind the officers’ success. As they assume their new roles, both Majors Zubairu and Maidawa stand as representatives of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professional excellence and the holistic well-being of its force.