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CAPTAIN ABDULLAHI JALINGO: The Loyal Aide Whose Dedication Shaped Taraba’s Destiny

By: Kamal Hammajo Adam

Freelance Journalist | +2347068274878

In the annals of Taraba State’s history, few names are spoken with the same blend of respect and gratitude as Retired Captain Abdullahi Jalingo (locally known at home as Audu Damburam). To many, he was more than a military officer; he was the trusted right-hand man of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Nigeria’s former Head of State. To Tarabans, his loyalty and closeness to the corridors of power are remembered as the very factors that birthed their State and secured Jalingo as its capital.

A BOND FORGED IN SERVICE

During his years in the Nigerian Army, Captain Abdullahi Jalingo earned a reputation for discipline, reliability, and unwavering commitment. When he was posted to work directly with General Babangida, his work ethic and discretion quickly made him indispensable. It is said that at the height of his career, he refused promotions that would have taken him away from his role beside the former Head of State, choosing instead to remain in service to the man he deeply respected.

This unusual choice was not just about personal loyalty. Friends and associates recall that Captain Jalingo understood the value of proximity to power, not for personal gain, but for the greater good of his people.

THE BIRTH OF TARABA STATE

In 1991, General Babangida’s regime announced the creation of new states, one of which was Taraba, carved from the defunct Gongola State. The joy in the region was indescribable, but there was more, Taraba’s new capital would be Jalingo. For the people of the town, this decision would change their destiny forever, ushering in development, administrative importance, and national recognition.

Locals say this was no accident. According to widely shared accounts, Captain Abdullahi Jalingo’s trusted position in Babangida’s inner circle provided him with the rare opportunity to advocate for his hometown. His loyalty to IBB had built a bridge of influence, and when the time came, that influence was used for the benefit of Taraba.

A LEGACY OF LOYALTY AND IMPACT

Today, the capital city of Jalingo is home to government institutions, modern infrastructure, and a growing economy, benefits that trace back to the pivotal moment in 1991. While the creation of Taraba State was part of a national restructuring, many in the State still believe that without Captain Abdullahi Jalingo’s closeness to Babangida, the city might not have been chosen as capital.

For his people, Captain Jalingo is not just a retired officer; he is a symbol of what loyalty, patience, and strategic service can achieve. His life offers a lesson to future generations: that true influence is built through trust, and that service to one’s leader can also be service to one’s homeland.

HONORING A SON OF THE SOIL

As Taraba continues to grow, the story of Captain Abdullahi Jalingo stands as a reminder of the power of dedication. His name is woven into the political history of the State, his legacy visible every time the sun rises over Jalingo, the city he 

helped lift into the light.

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