One of President Muhammadu Buhari's bodyguards, Warrant Officer Lawal Mato, is dead.

In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed that Mato died on Tuesday after three years of struggling with diabetes.

He said the military officer had been working with President Buhari for many years before he won the election in 2015.

Mourning the military officer, the President described him as a very thorough, trustworthy and dependable soldier who carried out his duty with diligence and focus.

He prayed that Allah would ease Mato's passage to paradise and grant his family, as well as the government and people of Jigawa State the fortitude to bear the loss.

According to Shehu, Mato was part of a team restored to President Buhari as personal security by late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua

He added that the late warrant officer had been off full duty for three years, treating diabetes.