Ex-Chief of Staff to Obasanjo, Gen. Abdullahi Mohammed, dies at 86

General Abdullahi Mohammed, a former Chief of Staff to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has passed away at the age of 86. He reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday at his residence in Abuja.

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, the retired military officer served Nigeria in various capacities, including as Military Governor of the old Benue-Plateau State from 1975 to 1976 during the regime of General Murtala Mohammed. He also served as Director General of the National Security Organization, now known as the Department of State Services (DSS), between 1976 and 1979, and later as National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar from 1998 to 1999.

General Mohammed was Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 1999 to 2008, making him one of the longest-serving individuals in that position.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdullahi, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing it as a great loss not only to the Ilorin Emirate but also to the entire nation.

According to him, General Mohammed’s death comes at a crucial time when Nigeria needs the wisdom and experience of seasoned statesmen to address ongoing national challenges.

He noted that the late General played vital roles in preserving Nigeria’s unity and stability throughout his service.