Owoye Andrew Azazi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Owoye Andrew Azazi
CFR FSS GSS DSS MSS CMH
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| National Security Adviser | |
| In office 4 October 2010 – 22 June 2012 |
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| President | Goodluck Jonathan |
| Preceded by | Kayode Are |
| Succeeded by | Sambo Dasuki |
| Chief of Defence Staff | |
| In office 25 May 2007 – 20 August 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Martin Luther Agwai |
| Succeeded by | Paul Dike |
| Chief of Army Staff | |
| In office June 2006 – May 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Martin Luther Agwai |
| Succeeded by | Luka Yusuf |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 February 1952 Bayelsa State, Nigeria |
| Died | 15 December 2012 (aged 60) Okoroba, Bayelsa State, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | Nigerian Defence Academy |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Nigeria |
| Branch/service |  Nigerian Army |
| Years of service | 1972–2008 |
| Rank |  General |
Owoye Andrew Azazi (1952–2012) was a very important Nigerian army general. He held several top positions in Nigeria's security forces. He was the National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan. He also served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Before becoming a chief, he was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 1st Division in Kaduna State. He played a key role in Nigeria's defense and security for many years.
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Early Life and Education
Owoye Andrew Azazi was born on February 1, 1952. His birthplace was Peretorugbene in what is now Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He went to Government College Bomadi in the old Bendel State. He finished school there in 1968.
After high school, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in July 1972. This was part of the Regular Combatant Cadet Course 12.
Military Career
Azazi became a 2nd Lieutenant on December 14, 1974. He did very well in his training, earning a bronze medal for being the best in art subjects. He worked in various intelligence roles. These included Brigade Intelligence Officer and Divisional Intelligence Officer.
He also served as an assistant Defence Attaché at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC, USA, for three years. He was a staff member at the Command and Staff College. Later, he became the Intelligence Officer for the Lagos Garrison Command.
Rising Through the Ranks
General Azazi continued to advance in his career. He worked in research and development and as a Director of Training. After graduating from War College, he became Colonel General Staff for the 81 Division. He then served as Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence.
He was also a staff member at the National War College Abuja. He eventually became its Principal Staff Officer Coordination. In 2003, he was appointed Director of Military Intelligence. He led a committee on the future of the Nigerian Army in 2004.
In January 2005, he became the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 1st Division. Just a year later, in June 2006, he was appointed Chief of Army Staff.
Achievements and Education
General Azazi was known for his fast rise in the military. Between May 2006 and June 2007, he moved from Major General to Lieutenant General and then to General. He was an external examiner at the National War College. He also gave lectures on military operations.
He earned an MSc in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. He completed specialized intelligence and security courses in the United Kingdom and the United States. He also graduated from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the National War College in Nigeria. At the National War College, he won an award for his excellent performance.
General Azazi retired from military service on August 20, 2008. This was when Umaru Yar'Adua replaced him as Chief of Defence Staff.
National Security Adviser
After retiring from the military, Azazi returned to public service as a civilian. He became the National Security Adviser (NSA). In this role, he faced many challenges. These included dealing with groups like the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the rise of Boko Haram.
Tackling Security Challenges
Soon after taking office, Azazi oversaw the capture of a large illegal weapons shipment from Iran. He worked with other countries to develop new security plans. He met with top officials from African neighbors, European countries, and the United States.
In 2010, he met with then-CIA Director Leon Panetta. In 2011, he discussed training and intelligence sharing with US AFRICOM Commander Gen. Carter F. Ham. These talks aimed to fight Boko Haram and other extremist groups.
Azazi believed that true security reform comes from developing people. He thought it was more important than just making new rules. He preferred to let other government bodies make public statements on sensitive issues.
Actions Against Extremism
Behind the scenes, Azazi was very active. The State Security Service (SSS), which reported to him, arrested a federal senator in 2011. The senator was charged with helping Boko Haram. This showed Azazi's strong stance against extremism.
After the Christmas 2011 Boko Haram bombings of churches, Azazi urged Christians not to seek revenge. He asked people to think about the goals of the attackers. He said that fighting terrorism means understanding why these groups act.
He stressed that citizens should help monitor extremism. He believed public participation was key to helping security services. In 2012, he supported stronger security ties with the United States. He even wrote an essay for the Washington Times about this.
Personal Life and Legacy
General Azazi was married and had children. He enjoyed reading biographies, listening to Nigerian music, and playing squash.
Sadly, Owoye Andrew Azazi died on December 15, 2012. He was in a naval helicopter crash in Okoroba Village, Bayelsa State. The crash also killed Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna state. They were returning from a funeral.
Honors and Military Decorations
- Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)
- Grand Service Star (GSS)
- Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
- Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
- Force Service Star (FSS)
- Corps Medal of Honour (CMH)
- Pass Staff Course Dagger (PSC+)
- National Defence College Dagger (NDC+)
- President and Commander in Chief's Merit Award
Lectures and Participations
General Azazi was a respected speaker and participant at many important events:
- Keynote speaker at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defence University, Washington DC, January 2009.
- Addressed a Seminar on Defense Transformation in Africa, Washington DC, September 2008.
- Participant at the Forum on African Exit Strategies, Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN), Paris, June 2004.
- Member of the Curriculum Review Workshop for Senior Leadership Seminar on the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies/National Defence University, USA.
- Facilitator, Seminar on Energy and Security in Africa, March 2005.
- Participant in the OECD/DAC Workshop on Security System Reforms held in Ghana in December 2005.
He also gave guest lectures at the University of Ibadan and the National Defense College, Abuja.
