We regrets to announce the passing of the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Sami, who died in London on Sunday morning, August 17, 2025, after a brief illness at the age of 81. Alhaji Sami was born in Zuru, Kebbi State on October 24, 1943, and began his distinguished career by enlisting in the Nigerian Army on December 10, 1962. He trained alongside notable figures such as former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, where he was commissioned on July 25, 1963.
Throughout his career, General Sami served in several key positions, including as the military governor of Bauchi State from January 1984 to August 1985. He retired from the army as a major general on September 3, 1990. He was appointed commander of the Brigade of Guards by General Murtala Muhammed and went on to become the first Major General to be crowned a first-class Emir in Nigeria. He also made history as the first African to serve as Chief of Staff of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon. General Sami was the General Officer Commanding both the 82 Division and 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, a former member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, and served as principal joint staff officer at the Ministry of Defence, as well as Vice Chairman of the Joint Service Chiefs.
He was also the Commandant of the Nigeria Army School of Infantry and Center in Jaji, Kaduna, and the Nigeria Army Corps of Military Police, where he was the first to rise to the rank of general in the military police. He served as Commandant of the Brigade of Guards at Dodan Barracks, acted as military governor in Sokoto and Benue States, and was the Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Sami’s life was marked by dedication, leadership, and a commitment to service both in the military and as a traditional ruler. His legacy will be remembered by the people of Zuru, Kebbi State, and Nigeria as a whole. May his soul rest in peace.
