106-Year-Old World War II Veteran, Wesley Tafida, Honoured in Jalingo

By Katsina Times | January 2026

Wesley Tafida, a 106-year-old Nigerian veteran and one of the few surviving soldiers who served during the colonial era and participated in the Second World War, has been recognised for his decades of service to the nation.

The centenarian, who currently resides at his home in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, is remembered for his early involvement with colonial forces before Nigeria’s independence and his later distinguished career in the Nigerian Army.

According to available records, Tafida officially enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1963, where he served with dedication and discipline for several years. He retired from active service after attaining the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), one of the highest non-commissioned officer positions in the Army.

Recently, senior military officers paid a courtesy visit to the veteran in Jalingo, acknowledging his sacrifices and contributions to national and global history, particularly his role during World War II.

The recognition has drawn public attention to the fading generation of Nigerian veterans whose service spans both the colonial and post-independence eras, underscoring the need to preserve their stories as part of the country’s historical heritage.