The Base Operations Officer at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza, was honoured with a final resting place at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja after tragically losing his life during a rescue mission in Rivers State.
The operation, which took place on July 30, 2024, involved saving 59 individuals from the dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, which was on the verge of sinking near the Okpobo Field in the Okpobo River.
According to The PUNCH, during the funeral ceremony, Captain M.A Mohammed, the Commanding Officer in Bonny, praised Gwaza’s bravery, acknowledging that despite the high-risk nature of the mission, Gwaza had shown incredible courage and selflessness.
Captain Mohammed shared that Gwaza’s valiant efforts were not limited to this operation but were evident throughout his service.
Mohammed recounted stories from Bonny residents, stating, “After his passing, I’ve had cause to hear from two indigents in Bonny of how he rescued them from trouble in the dead of the night, single-handedly. I’ve also seen his courage displayed on numerous occasions. He tackled all his assigned tasks with the same vigour and selflessness.”
He continued by reflecting on Gwaza’s final mission, “And it is these same attributes, I believe, that compelled him to go against all odds on that rescue mission, although we knew it was very risky. I am probably the last person to have seen him before he left and to have spoken with him. Throughout the five months of my time, there was no single day I did not hear Gideon’s voice. Up to this moment, I still hear it. He is a true hero and an asset, not just to the Navy, but to the nation as a whole. His personality transcends him, even beyond the shores of this country. We will miss him a great deal. The entire Bonny community already misses him.”
Gwaza’s widow, Salome, expressed her profound grief and pride, recalling the deep bond they shared during their nine years of marriage. In her tribute, she said, “We had nine years of deepest love, happiest marriage, and true partnership. He nurtured us all in the ways of the Lord. You were my number one role model. It’s hard for me to accept that you are no longer here. I wake up every day to see the cold space where you live. You were very intelligent. You were selfless. You were dedicated and brave.”
She continued, “You loved your job so well, and I’m glad you died as a hero. I will forever be proud of you. Your children will be proud of you. You were a true soldier who loved and cherished every moment spent together. I will love your children even more. I never thought you would leave this early. This was not the agreement. Our plan was to raise them together. Now that you’re no longer here, I pray God gives me the strength and all that I require to bring up this voice that you’ll be proud of and you’ll watch us from heaven and smile.”
Salome vowed to uphold her husband’s legacy and to raise their children in a way that would make him proud.
Gwaza’s elder sister, Ishaku Matilda, also shared her memories, highlighting his exceptional qualities from a young age.
“You were born great. You had your whole life ahead of you. You exuded greatness in everything that you did. From childhood, you were good at everything. You excelled at everything. You’re always acting like you were older than me. I understand you were only protecting me. Even though you’re no longer here in the flesh, I carry you in my heart and spirit always,” she said.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who was present at the funeral, reflected on the loss felt by the entire Navy.
He described Gwaza as a born soldier, whose dedication was evident throughout his career.
“It is a very sad event to us, the Nigerian Navy family and the armed forces in general. We have all listened to the tributes said about the officer. From all that has been said and from the enquiries that I have made, and also looking at his career records, I can only say that the officer was a born soldier. This was evident in the various assignments he performed while in the service and also in the various courses and trainings that he passed through in the service where he always came out as number one,” Ogalla noted.
He added that Gwaza’s death came while serving not only the Nigerian Navy but also humanity, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the mission that led to his passing.
“Because the assignment which he was given that day was to go and rescue a merchant vessel that was in distress and was about to sink. I received that information distress call from the company that a vessel was about to sink with 59 crew members on board. Out of those 59 persons on board, we had 10 Navy personnel on board. These 59 crew members were in danger of being perished. Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was detailed with a team of other patriotic ratings and officers to go and rescue these people,” Ogalla said
Reflecting on the challenges faced during such operations, Ogalla concluded, “Unfortunately, and in line with the operating environment where we operate, where you cannot predict the nature of tide perfectly, you can also not predict so many other factors that take place out there at sea. He had an accident and we lost him that day. It’s very sad.”
Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza will be remembered as a dedicated officer who gave his life in the line of duty, ensuring the safety of others even at the cost of his own.
