Dickson's Aide Zamani Tanko Dies in Abuja Road Accident

Former police officer, DSP Zamani Tanko has died following a road accident in Abuja, his principal Senator Seriake Dickson announced.

Tanko, who served Nigeria for 35 years, died on Tuesday after surgery at National Hospital.

Dickson said he received a call on Tuesday morning that Tanko had collided with a truck in Abuja and was rushed unconscious to hospital.

"My aides rushed to the scene and took him to the National Hospital. I rushed there myself," he said.

A team of surgeons operated to save him, but he was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

Tanko retired from the police after 35 years of service and worked as Dickson’s personal aide for 15 years, handling security and other duties.

"He had become not only one of my most trusted aides but also a trusted family member. Family members fondly called him 'uncle Zamani'," he said.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader said he and his family were "devastated" by the loss and thanked Tanko for "loyal, faithful and dedicated service to our country."

He added that funeral arrangements would be made with Tanko’s family and that he prayed for comfort for Tanko’s wife and relatives.

Political figures including presidential candidate Peter Obi, NDC national chairman Senator Moses Cleopas and Alhaji Buba Galadima visited Seriake on Tuesday evening to offer condolences.