KatsinaTimes - Katsina, July 24, 2025 –
Today marks exactly 30 years since the passing of one of Northern Nigeria’s most iconic statesmen and military figures, Major General Hassan Usman Katsina, OFR, PSC, fondly remembered as the first and last Military Governor of the defunct Northern Region and later Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. His death on July 24, 1995, at the age of 62, closed a significant chapter in Nigeria’s post-independence civil-military leadership.
Born on March 30, 1933, in Katsina, he was the son of His Royal Highness Alhaji Usman Nagogo, the 48th Emir of Katsina. His early education followed the traditional Islamic path before transitioning to formal schooling. He began at Kankiya Elementary School, then proceeded to Katsina Middle School (1944–1947) and Kaduna College (1948–1951). His tertiary education took him to the Institute of Administration, Zaria (1952) and the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria (1953–1955).
In February 1956, he joined the Nigerian Army, beginning what would become a distinguished military career. His training spanned several renowned military institutions: the Regular Officers Special Training School, Accra; Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot, England; the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst; Small Arms School, Keat-England; School of Infantry, Warminster; Infantry School, Fort Benning, USA (1962); Staff College, Camberley (1964); and the Royal College for Defence Studies, England (1972).
Commissioned in March 1959, Katsina served in the 2nd and 5th Battalions of the Nigerian Army and later became a Staff Officer in the 3rd Brigade in Congo. He commanded the Recce Regiment between 1965 and 1966.
The turning point in his public service came in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup, which plunged the country into political uncertainty. Following the military takeover, Major General Katsina was appointed Military Governor of the Northern Region, a post he held until the creation of states in 1967. He subsequently became Chairman of the Interim Common Services Agency (ICSA), tasked with managing inter-state affairs in the newly carved North.
In May 1968, during the Nigerian Civil War, Katsina was appointed Chief of Army Staff under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration—a role he held until 1972. That same year, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, and concurrently served as the Federal Commissioner for Establishments.
His military career came to a close in 1975, following the coup that ousted General Gowon. However, his influence continued in civilian life. A prominent traditional titleholder, he was turbaned Ciroman Katsina in 1968 by the Emir of Katsina. Beyond military and public service, he was a passionate sportsman, especially in polo, serving as Chairman of the Nigerian Polo Association from 1987 until his death.
Major General Katsina also served as Chairman of the National Oil & Marketing Company (Nig. Ltd) and, in recognition of his service to the nation, he was awarded the National Honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 1982 by the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari.
He died on Monday, July 24, 1995, aged 62, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, leadership, and dedication to national unity.
As Nigeria reflects on his memory three decades later, Major General Hassan Usman Katsina remains a towering figure in the country’s history—a soldier, a statesman, and a son of tradition who played a pivotal role in shaping the North and the nation.
May Allah grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
