Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar was born on 12th September, 1952 in Bida town. He began his educational career at East Junior and Sabongida Primary Schools, all in Bida, between 1957 and 1964. In 1967, he went to Government College Sokoto and later commercial College, Kano and finished in 1971.
By 1973, Young Yahaya’s desire to join the Nigerian Army had matured. So, in the same year, he enrolled into the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna and graduated in 1975 with the Nigeria Defence Academy certificate of education (NDACE).
Alhaji Yahaya’s Military career began with courses in 1976, when he was sent on the young Officer’s course (Armour) in January and finished in April. Between March and August 1977, he attended the Armour Officers Basic Course in the United States of America.
Again, in 1979, Yahaya Abubakar was in India, where he attended Regional Signal Officer’s Course (RSO), and completed successfully in August of the same year.
Between January and April 1980, the Etsu Nupe was in Jaji to attend the surveillance Platoon Command Course. He went back to Jaji for Junior Division Staff Course in January 1981 and finished in June, the same year. Zealously in September 1982, the gallant officer took another training trip to the United States of America for Adjutant General Course and successfully completed in February 1983.
Having been equipped with adequate military training, Etsu Yahaya settled back for his military Job until September 1985, when he went for tank Technology Course, which he also completed with distinctions in September 1986. He also went for command and staff course in Indonesia between September 1988 and March 1990. By January 1993, Alhaji Yahaya was in Jaji again for the Commanding Officer’s Course and finished in April the same year. Between July 2002 and July 2003, he attended the National Defence Course in Egypt.
However, it is interesting to note that Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar’s tall professional qualifications in the Nigeria Army, was achieved in concurrence with his military service. His working experience in the Nigeria Army started in 1976, when he was appointed the General Staff Officer -3 (Training at Headquarters 21 Armour Brigade) to 1977. Between 1978 and 1980, he was Aid De Camp (ADC) to the General Officer Commanding Infantry Division, Nigeria Army. In 1979, he was appointed Officer Commanding Support Company. Between 1983 and 1985, he was Senior Instructor (ACC5) and in 1987 he was appointed staff officer 1 (Manpower DOE). From 1990 to 1992, he was General Staff Officer (SD/PLANS, Hq3 Division).
Between August 1992 and July 1993, Alhaji Yahaya was Commanding Officer (231 tank Battalion) and Commanding Officer (121 Tank Battalion from August 1993 to July 1994. In July 1994 to August 1996, the young Prince was appointed commanding officer (202 Armed Demo BN). In August, 1996 he was appointed Commanding Officer (NIBATT 27 ECOMOG the position he held till July 1988. Also between August 1998 and August 1999, he was appointed Deputy Commandant, Depot, Nigeria Army, Zana. From August 1999 to January 2002 he held the position of Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJT) Lake Chad Region.
In July 2003 he was appointed Director, peace-keeping Operations (Liberia), a position he held until he assumed his present position as the ‘I 3th Etsu- Nupe on 11th September 2003, after the death of Alhali (Dr ) Umaru Sanda Ndayako.
As an enterprising Prince who excelled himself in the service of his fatherland, Yahaya Abubakar bagged many Armed Forces ment awards These include Forces Service Star (FSS), Mentonous Service Star (Mss) and Economy Medal. Others are National Defence College (Fellow) Egypt and pass Staff College (PSC) Awards. Until his new appointment as Etsu Nupe, Alhap Yahaya Abubakar was a Colonel in the Nigena Army. He was however, promoted Brigadier General on retirement. He was conferred with the National award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2004. Etsu Yahaya Abubakar is married and has children and grandchildren. His hobbies include reading, travelhng, squash and golf. the position he held till July 1988. Also between August 1998 and August 1999, he was appointed Deputy Commandant, Depot, Nigena Army, Zaria. From August 1999 to January 2002 he held the position of Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJT) Lake Chad Region.
In July 2003 he was appointed Director, peace-keeping Operations (Liberia), a position he held until he assumed his present position as the ‘I 3th Etsu-Nupe on 11th September 2003, after the death of Alhaji (Dr ) Umaru Sanda Ndayako.
