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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd.), a former Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Born in 1939, Major General Abdullahi Mohammed passed away at the age of 86 at early hours today, Wednesday, 5th November, 2025.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late General as “a disciplined, loyal, and patriotic officer whose remarkable service to the nation spanned decades, marked by distinguished contributions to Nigeria’s stability and governance.”
President Tinubu noted that the death of General Mohammed is a profound loss to the nation, highlighting his uncommon sense of duty, humility, and integrity.
He further stated that these enduring qualities left a lasting imprint on the institutions he served and on all who worked with him, particularly during his time at the State House, where he helped shape the workings of the modern Nigerian Presidency.
“He was a man of exemplary character, who combined the precision of a soldier with the prudence of a statesman. His years in the State House were marked by humility, efficiency, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project,” President Tinubu said.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late General, the government and people of Kwara State, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all who mourn the passing of the deceased described as a “distinguished son of Nigeria.”
General Mohammed was widely regarded as one of the key figures in shaping Nigeria’s modern security architecture.
He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Security Organisation (NSO), which later evolved into the State Security Service (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
A distinguished military officer and administrator, General Mohammed also served as Governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau State from 1975 to 1976, where he was noted for his discipline and reform-minded leadership.
The Ilorin-born Abdullahi Mohammed was a retired Nigerian Army major general who served as chief of staff to presidents Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999-2007 and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-2008).
National Security Adviser to General Abdusalami Abubakar from 1998 to 1999, and Director General of the National Security Organisation from 1976 to 1979.
He also served as Governor of Benue-Plateau State, Nigeria, from July 1975 to February 1976 during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed.