Ishaya Bakut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ishaya Bakut
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| Commander, ECOMOG Peacekeeping Force, Liberia | |
| In office September 1991 – December 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Maj-Gen. R.M. Kupolati |
| Succeeded by | Brig-Gen. T. Olurin |
| Military Governor of Benue State | |
| In office 18 Sep 1986 – December 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Yohanna Madaki |
| Succeeded by | Idris Garba |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 August 1947 Kurmi-Bi, Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria |
| Died | 21 March 2015 (aged 67) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Nigeria |
| Branch/service |  Nigerian Army |
| Rank |  Major General |
Ishaya Bakut was a Nigerian military officer. He was born on August 16, 1947, and passed away on March 21, 2015. He served as the military governor of Benue State in Nigeria from 1986 to 1987. Later, he became the Field Commander of the ECOMOG peacekeeping force in Liberia from 1991 to 1992.
Early Life and Education
Ishaya Bakut was born on August 16, 1947. His hometown was Kurmi-Bi, a place in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
School Days and Scholarships
He attended Government College in Kaduna from 1961 to 1965. He was able to go to this school thanks to a scholarship from Shell BP.
Military Training and University
In 1966, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. He finished his training in March 1969 and became a 2nd Lieutenant in the army. He also went to Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria from 1971 to 1975, where he earned a degree in Engineering.
Further Studies and Advanced Training
Ishaya Bakut continued his education in different places. He studied at the United States School of Engineering from 1977 to 1978. He also attended the Command and Staff College in Jaji from 1979 to 1980. In 1985, he earned his Master's degree from the National Defence College in New Delhi, India.
Military Career Highlights
Ishaya Bakut had an active career in the Nigerian military, serving in various important roles.
Nigerian Civil War Service
During the Nigerian Civil War (1969–1970), he served as a Company and Battalion Commander in the Infantry. This means he led groups of soldiers during battles.
Engineering and Peacekeeping Roles
In 1976, he was put in charge of the 41 Engineers Brigade in Kaduna. He also became a Senior Operations Officer for Engineering tasks. From April 1980 to February 1981, he was part of the Nigerian team in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Peacekeeping missions involve helping to maintain peace in areas of conflict.
Other Key Positions
He held other important positions, such as Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College in Jaji (1981–1983). He also served as a Colonel in the General Staff and at the Army Headquarters in Lagos. He was again Commander of the 41 Engineers Brigade in Kaduna.
Leadership Roles
Ishaya Bakut took on significant leadership roles in both government and international peacekeeping.
Governor of Benue State
On September 18, 1986, Colonel Bakut was appointed as the Military Governor of Benue State. His time as governor ended in December 1987. During his leadership, there were no major new projects or changes in the state.
Leading ECOMOG in Liberia
On September 28, 1991, he became the Field Commander of the ECOMOG force in Liberia. ECOMOG was a multinational force from West African countries working to bring peace to Liberia during its civil war.
Challenges as Commander
Bakut stated that ECOMOG would be a fair and neutral peacekeeping force. Soon after, troops from Senegal joined ECOMOG to make it stronger. They were sent to Bong County to help disarm rebel fighters. However, Charles Taylor, a rebel leader, ordered his troops to attack the Senegalese soldiers. It was difficult, but Bakut convinced the Senegalese to stay on the defensive. After this, the Senegalese troops left the mission.
End of Command
His replacement, Brigadier Adetunji Olurin, was announced in October 1992. Just before Olurin arrived, Charles Taylor's forces launched a major attack on Monrovia, the capital city. Bakut's troops worked hard to keep control of parts of the city until Olurin took over in December 1992.
Later Life
In 1995, Ishaya Bakut served as the Principal Officer to the Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya. Ishaya Bakut passed away on March 21, 2015, at the age of 67.
