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Navy Officer Who Died Rescuing 59 from Drowning Laid to Rest |
Lieutenant Commander Gideon Gwaza, the Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, has been laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. Gwaza tragically lost his life during a rescue operation in Rivers State.
The operation successfully rescued 59 individuals from the dredging vessel MV AMBIKA 4, which was on the verge of sinking near the Okpobo River on July 30, 2024.
During the funeral ceremony, Captain M.A. Mohammed, the Commanding Officer in Bonny, praised Gwaza's bravery, noting that he knew the risks but still chose to save the victims. Mohammed highlighted Gwaza's consistent courage and dedication in various operations.
“After his passing, I’ve heard from two locals in Bonny about how he rescued them from trouble in the dead of night, single-handedly. His courage was evident on numerous occasions. He tackled all his tasks with the same vigor and selflessness,” Mohammed said. “These attributes compelled him to go against all odds on that rescue mission, despite the risks. I am probably the last person to have seen and spoken with him. Throughout my five months here, there was not a 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. The entire Bonny community already misses him.”
Gwaza’s wife, Salome, expressed her pride in her husband's heroism. “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. You were very intelligent, selfless, dedicated, and brave. 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 promised to honor her husband’s memory by making him proud in death.
Gwaza’s elder sister, Ishaku Matilda, said, “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 always acted 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.”
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, described Gwaza’s death as a significant loss. “It is a very sad event for us, the Nigerian Navy family, and the armed forces in general. 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 added that Gwaza died in service not only to the Nigerian Navy but to humanity. “The assignment he was given that day was to rescue a merchant vessel in distress with 59 crew members on board. Out of those 59 persons, 10 were Navy personnel. These crew members were in danger of perishing. Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was detailed with a team of other patriotic ratings and officers to rescue these people. Unfortunately, due to the unpredictable nature of the tide and other factors at sea, he had an accident, and we lost him that day. It’s very sad,” he added.
