Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Aliyu on Thursday made history by becoming the second General in the Nigerian Army to jump from a moving plane at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna. This remarkable feat was achieved as part of a display of leadership and bravery.
Brigadier-General Aliyu has now matched the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. KTJ Minimah. As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.
Aliyu’s jump was not just a personal achievement; it marked his commitment to shaping the future of the Nigerian Army. He was joined in this feat by cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who were performing their first parachute jump, marking the beginning of their careers as officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
By leading from the front, Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s ethos: “No Guts, No Glory.” His action served as a powerful lesson in leadership, emphasizing that true leaders share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead.
He stated, “For the cadets who jumped alongside me, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.”
Aliyu’s jump embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, highlighting the importance of leadership by example. As the Army continues to mold its future leaders, Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as an enduring inspiration for the officers who will one day take on leadership roles in the force.
