Discover Major General Jamil Sarham biography including his military career, role as 6th Division GOC, Nigerian Defence Academy commandant, controversies with Nyesom Wike, net worth, family, and his current position as CEO of New Guard Security.

Who is Jamil Sarham?

Major General Jamil Sarham (Retired) is a Nigerian military officer who served in several high-ranking command positions within the Nigerian Army. He is best known for his role as the 36th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6th Division in Port Harcourt and later as the 29th Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

After retiring from active military service in 2021, Sarham transitioned into the private security sector. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of New Guard Security and Consultancy Services (NGSCS) Limited. This company specialises in security solutions and consultancy, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Sarham’s military career has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies. His tenure as GOC of the 6th Division during the 2019 Rivers State gubernatorial election brought him into direct conflict with then-Governor Nyesom Wike. This controversy continues to generate public interest and debate to this day.

Jamil Sarham Profile Summary

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	Jamil Sarham
Rank	Major General (Retired)
Nationality	Nigerian
Religion	Islam (presumed from name)
Occupation	Retired Military Officer, Security Consultant
Current Position	CEO, New Guard Security and Consultancy Services (NGSCS) Limited
Military Service	Nigerian Army (Retired 2021)
Notable Positions	36th GOC, 6th Division; 29th NDA Commandant; Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry
Years of Service	Over 30 years
Marital Status	Married
Children	Yes (number not publicly disclosed)
Net Worth	Estimated $500,000
Social Media	No verified accounts

Early Life and Education Background

Information about Major General Jamil Sarham’s early life, date of birth, and state of origin has not been publicly detailed. Like many career military officers, Sarham has maintained a relatively private personal life. Details about his childhood, family background, and early education remain largely undisclosed.

Military Education and Training

What is known is that Sarham underwent extensive military education and training throughout his career. His rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army demonstrates that he completed the required military education programmes.

These would have included:

His military education equipped him with the skills necessary to lead troops in combat situations. It also prepared him for the administrative and strategic responsibilities of senior command positions.

Military Career and Rise to Prominence

Early Career and Infantry Command

Major General Jamil Sarham built his military career through various command and staff appointments. He served as a combatant soldier in different capacities during his active years in the military.

Before his most notable appointments, Sarham served as the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State. This position is considered one of the most prestigious in the Nigerian Army. The School of Infantry is responsible for training infantry officers and soldiers in tactical operations.

His tenure as Commandant demonstrated his expertise in military tactics and training. It also positioned him for higher command responsibilities within the Nigerian Army structure.

General Officer Commanding, 6th Division

In August 2018, Major General Jamil Sarham was appointed as the 36th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army. The division’s headquarters is located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The 6th Division is responsible for securing the Niger Delta region. This includes the states of:

Sarham took over from Major General Musa Yusuf. Upon his assumption of duty, Yusuf praised Sarham’s capabilities. He stated: “I have no doubt that my successor, Sarham being a visionary person, will improve on the achievements in the Division for the benefit of the Nigerian Army.”

Operations in the Niger Delta

As GOC of the 6th Division, Sarham’s primary responsibility was to curtail economic sabotage in the region. The Niger Delta accounts for over 80% of Nigeria’s crude oil production and earnings.

Under his command, the division conducted several operations:

Sarham immediately undertook familiarisation tours of the states under his division. He inaugurated the 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta State, strengthening the military presence in the region.

His tenure was marked by efforts to improve crude oil production. The division worked to reduce the impact of economic sabotage on Nigeria’s oil earnings.

Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy

In November 2019, following a major redeployment of senior military officers, Major General Jamil Sarham was appointed as the 29th Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He succeeded Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, who retired after 34 years of meritorious service.

The Nigerian Defence Academy is a military university based in Kaduna. It trains officer cadets for commissioning into the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The duration of training at the NDA is five years: four years of academic study and one year of military training.

Leadership at the NDA

During the handing-over ceremony, Sarham pledged to produce quality junior leadership for the Nigerian Armed Forces. He explained that the essence of the academy is to provide sound junior leadership. This leadership would help the Nigerian Armed Forces carry out its constitutional mandate.

He solicited for the support and cooperation of the NDA staff. He urged them to embrace team spirit to succeed in producing well-trained officer cadets for the nation.

During his tenure, Sarham:

The outgoing commandant, Major General Oyebade, described Sarham as “a seasoned and thoroughbred infantry officer, endowed with vast exposure and experience.”

Sarham served as NDA Commandant from November 2019 until March 2021. He was succeeded by Major General Sagir Yaro.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Year	Position/Achievement	Organisation
Pre-2018	Served in various command and staff positions	Nigerian Army
Pre-2018	Commandant	Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State
August 2018	Appointed 36th General Officer Commanding	6th Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt
2018-2019	Led Operations Crocodile Smile III and other Niger Delta operations	6th Division, Nigerian Army
November 2019	Appointed 29th Commandant	Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
2019-2021	Produced officer cadets and maintained academic standards	Nigerian Defence Academy
March 2021	Retired from active military service	Nigerian Army
2021-Present	Founder and Chief Executive Officer	New Guard Security and Consultancy Services (NGSCS) Limited

The 2019 Rivers State Election Controversy

The most significant controversy of Major General Jamil Sarham’s career centres on the 2019 Rivers State gubernatorial election. This incident has defined much of his public profile outside military circles.

Nyesom Wike’s Accusations

In 2019, then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike accused Sarham of serious misconduct during the gubernatorial elections. Wike’s allegations included:

Election Interference: Wike alleged that Sarham was “brought” into Rivers State by his political rival, Rotimi Amaechi, who was then the Minister of Transportation. He claimed Sarham turned the 6th Division headquarters into an “INEC office” to rig the vote in Amaechi’s favour.

Assassination Order: Wike alleged that Sarham ordered that he should be shot as a sitting governor. According to Wike, a colonel refused to obey the order. As a result, Sarham allegedly detained the colonel for six months.

Illegal Oil Bunkering: In May 2019, Wike accused Sarham of engaging in illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State. He alleged that Sarham raised a team of soldiers to steal and sell petroleum products in the region.

Leaking Classified Information: Wike claimed that Sarham regularly divulged confidential security briefings to criminals. He suggested that the military leadership’s reluctance to remove Sarham was deliberate.

Promised Reward: Wike alleged that Amaechi promised to make Sarham the next Chief of Army Staff in exchange for his assistance during the elections.

Sarham’s Defence

Major General Jamil Sarham and the Nigerian Army strongly denied all of Wike’s allegations. Their counter-arguments included:

Bribery Rejection: Sarham claimed that Wike’s resentment against him stemmed from his refusal to accept a bribe. He stated: “Wike’s resentment against me is based on my choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered me by the Rivers State governor to compromise the 2019 general election.”

No Government House Visits: The Nigerian Army clarified that Sarham was not a member of the Rivers State Security Council. He had never approached the gates of Rivers State Government House since his assumption of office as GOC, 6th Division.

Limited Contact: The Army stated that Wike only came face-to-face with Sarham once: on 15 January 2019 during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.

Challenge for Evidence: The Nigerian Army challenged Wike to provide evidence of any meetings where Sarham was present at the Rivers State Security Council.

Professionalism: Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, described Wike’s allegations as “false and a deliberate effort to tarnish the towering image of the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC 6 Division.”

The 2025 Resurgence

In September 2025, six years after the initial controversy, Nyesom Wike—now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—reignited the allegations. In an interview with Channels Television, he recounted his experience during the 2019 election.

Wike stated: “In 2019, there was one GOC; they called him General Sarham. I heard he works at the NSA office now. The man was brought in as a sitting governor; he didn’t see me. He came to Rivers State and said he would never see me.”

According to Wike, Sarham now works at the office of the National Security Adviser under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This allegation suggests Sarham continues to work in a security capacity despite his retirement from the Nigerian Army.

Post-Military Career and Business Ventures

New Guard Security and Consultancy Services

After retiring from the Nigerian Army in 2021, Major General Jamil Sarham founded New Guard Security and Consultancy Services (NGSCS) Limited. He serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

NGSCS focuses on:

Operations and Partnerships

Sarham’s company operates as a force multiplier for security operations in Nigeria. Private security companies like NGSCS work alongside government security agencies, particularly the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

In September 2024, Sarham visited the 6th Division headquarters in Port Harcourt. He met with the current GOC, Major General Abdussalam, to solicit support and partnership.

During the visit, Sarham:

Sarham explained that private security companies serve as patriotic Nigerians committed to supporting the Armed Forces’ mandates. They operate under Standard Operating Procedures from the National Security Adviser’s office.

The company partners with:

Net Worth and Income Sources

As of 2025, Major General Jamil Sarham’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. His wealth is derived from:

Whilst this represents a modest fortune, it is considerably lower than many retired military officers. This may be due to Sarham maintaining professional integrity throughout his career, as he has consistently claimed.

Personal Life: Family and Private Affairs

Major General Jamil Sarham is married and blessed with children. However, he has maintained significant privacy regarding his family life. The number of children he has and their identities have not been publicly disclosed.

Unlike many public figures, Sarham does not appear to have any verified social media accounts. This absence from social media platforms is consistent with his preference for privacy. It also aligns with the discreet nature often associated with military and security professionals.

His wife’s name and background have also not been made public. This level of privacy is not uncommon amongst Nigerian military officers. Many prefer to shield their families from public scrutiny, especially given the security-sensitive nature of their work.

Professional Philosophy and Public Perception

Major General Jamil Sarham’s professional philosophy centres on military professionalism and integrity. Throughout his career, he has emphasised:

Divided Public Opinion

Public perception of Sarham remains deeply divided, largely due to the 2019 Rivers State election controversy.

Supporters’ View: Supporters view Sarham as a dedicated military professional who refused to compromise his integrity. They believe he rejected bribes and maintained military neutrality during a politically charged election. They point to his long service record and subsequent appointments as evidence of his professionalism.

Critics’ View: Critics, particularly supporters of Nyesom Wike, view Sarham as a partisan officer who allowed himself to be used by politicians. They believe Wike’s allegations carry weight, particularly given Sarham’s presence in Rivers State during such a contentious election period. Some question why he was not removed if the allegations were entirely baseless.

Military Community Perspective

Within the military community, Sarham appears to maintain respect. His appointments to prestigious positions like the Nigerian Defence Academy commandancy suggest confidence in his abilities from military leadership. Former colleagues have described him as:

Legacy and Impact on Nigerian Military

Major General Jamil Sarham’s legacy is complex and multifaceted.

Positive Contributions: On one hand, he served Nigeria’s military for over three decades. He held command positions in critical areas, particularly the oil-rich Niger Delta region. His leadership at the Nigerian Defence Academy contributed to the training of numerous officers who now serve in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Controversial Reputation: On the other hand, the 2019 election controversy has significantly impacted his public reputation. The allegations by a sitting governor (now federal minister) remain a stain on his military record. Whether true or false, these accusations ensure that Sarham’s name is associated with political controversy.

Post-Retirement Contributions: His work through New Guard Security and Consultancy Services continues to contribute to Nigeria’s security architecture. By tackling oil theft and supporting military operations, Sarham remains engaged in national security matters even after retirement.

As of 2025, Sarham’s legacy remains actively contested. The resurgence of Wike’s allegations in September 2025 demonstrates that this controversy will likely follow him for years to come.

Conclusion

Major General Jamil Sarham’s biography represents a military career marked by significant achievements and serious controversies.

From his early days as a combatant soldier to his elevation to General Officer Commanding of the strategically important 6th Division, Sarham demonstrated military competence. His subsequent appointment as Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy further validated his professional standing within the Nigerian Army.

However, the 2019 Rivers State election controversy remains the most defining aspect of his public profile. The accusations by Nyesom Wike—including election interference, assassination orders, and illegal oil bunkering—are serious charges against any military officer. Sarham’s consistent denials and counter-accusations of bribery attempts create a he-said-he-said situation that may never be fully resolved.

In retirement, Sarham has transitioned to private security consultancy. Through New Guard Security and Consultancy Services, he continues to operate in Nigeria’s security sector. His work focuses on the same Niger Delta region where the 2019 controversy occurred.

Whether viewed as a professional soldier who maintained his integrity under pressure or as a partisan officer who allowed politics to compromise his position, Jamil Sarham remains a significant figure. His story illustrates the complex intersection of military service and politics in Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How old is Jamil Sarham?
Major General Jamil Sarham’s exact age and date of birth have not been publicly disclosed. Based on his military career trajectory and retirement in 2021, he is estimated to be in his late 50s or early 60s.

Q2: What is Jamil Sarham’s net worth?
Major General Jamil Sarham’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, derived from his military pension, retirement benefits, and income from his security consultancy company.

Q3: What military positions did Jamil Sarham hold?
Sarham served as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, the 36th GOC of the 6th Division (2018-2019), and the 29th Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (2019-2021).

Q4: What is Jamil Sarham doing now?
After retiring from the Nigerian Army in 2021, Sarham founded and now serves as CEO of New Guard Security and Consultancy Services (NGSCS) Limited, a private security company operating primarily in the Niger Delta region.

Q5: What did Nyesom Wike accuse Jamil Sarham of?
Wike accused Sarham of ordering his assassination during the 2019 Rivers State election, interfering in the election, engaging in illegal oil bunkering, and leaking classified security information to criminals.

Q6: How did Jamil Sarham respond to Wike’s accusations?
Sarham denied all allegations and claimed that Wike’s resentment stemmed from his refusal to accept billions of naira in bribes to compromise the 2019 election.

Q7: Is Jamil Sarham married?
Yes, Major General Jamil Sarham is married and has children, though he maintains privacy regarding his family life and has not publicly disclosed details about his wife or children.

Q8: Does Jamil Sarham have social media accounts?
No, Major General Jamil Sarham does not appear to have any verified social media accounts, maintaining privacy consistent with security professionals.

Q9: What is New Guard Security and Consultancy Services?
New Guard Security and Consultancy Services (NGSCS) Limited is a private security company founded by Sarham after his retirement. It focuses on tackling oil theft and providing security support in the Niger Delta region.

Q10: Where is Jamil Sarham from?
Major General Jamil Sarham’s state of origin and specific birthplace have not been publicly disclosed. His name suggests northern Nigerian heritage, likely from the northern states.