Awwal Zubairu Gambo is a retired Nigerian Navy vice admiral who once served as the Chief of Naval Staff. He was born on 22 April 1966 in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. Over the years, he built a solid reputation in the military through discipline, intelligence work, and leadership. President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chief of Naval Staff in January 2021, a role he held until his retirement. His long service in the Navy and the different commands he handled made him one of Nigeria’s respected senior naval officers.
A. Z. Gambo Profile
| Name | A. Z. Gambo |
| Real Name | Awwal Zubairu Gambo |
| Date of Birthday | 22 April 1966 |
| Age | 59 years |
| State of Origin | Kano State |
| Tribe | Hausa |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Navy Vice Admiral |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Gambo began his education at Gwagwarwa Special Primary School in Kano, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate. He later attended Rumfa College, Kano, completing his West African School Certificate in 1984.
He then joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of Regular Course 36 and later expanded his academic qualifications with a Master’s Degree in Transport Management (Logistics Option) and a PhD in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University. His training over the years included several military courses both in Nigeria and overseas.
Career
Gambo enlisted in the Nigerian Navy on 24 September 1984 and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant exactly four years later. He specialised in Underwater Warfare and later trained further in Intelligence, which became one of his strong areas in the service. Over the decades, he held several important positions in the Navy.
Before becoming Chief of Naval Staff, he was the Director of Procurement at the Defence Space Administration. His career was marked by steady growth through the ranks, international exposure, and contributions to modernising naval operations in Nigeria. His leadership as Chief of Naval Staff focused on professionalism, improved surveillance, and tackling maritime crimes.
Controversies
Gambo’s name recently appeared in public discussions due to a confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer guarding a property said to belong to the retired admiral. In a viral video, the officer, Lt Commander A.M. Yerima, stopped the minister and his aides from entering the property, claiming he was acting on orders. Wike, visibly angry, insulted the officer, calling him a “fool,” a remark many Nigerians condemned as disrespectful.
While the officer’s action raised questions about whether soldiers should guard a retired officer’s private property, Wike’s response was also criticised for lacking decorum. Legal experts pointed out that the minister has constitutional powers over land administration in the FCT, but they also emphasised that the use of armed military personnel to block government officials from a property is unacceptable.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, stated that both sides were wrong, the minister for his language and approach, and the retired naval chief for deploying soldiers for a personal matter. The incident has since prompted calls for the Armed Forces to clarify what retired officers are allowed to do regarding the use of military personnel.
A. Z. Gambo Social Media Handle
Gambo is not known for an active public presence on social media. When he communicates publicly, it is usually through official military channels or government statements.
Personal Life
Vice Admiral Gambo keeps much of his personal life private. What is known is that he maintains a calm, disciplined lifestyle shaped by decades of military service. His background from Kano and his long career in the Navy remain central to his story. He has also earned several honours and professional memberships, including fellowships from multiple national and international institutes.
A. Z. Gambo Net Worth
A. Z. Gambo’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.