FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former Chief of Staff, the late Major General Abdullahi (Adangba) Mohammed, describing him as a man of integrity, discipline, and patriotism whose contributions to Nigeria’s unity and governance will not be forgotten.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, today, Obasanjo said the news of Mohammed’s death came as a great shock.
The late officer, who died in Abuja at the age of 86, served as Chief of Staff to both Obasanjo and his successor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, between 1999 and 2008.
“The unexpected and unfortunate loss of a long-standing friend, brother, and colleague is a great trial,” Obasanjo said, describing Mohammed as “a diligent and conscientious soldier who served his nation with patriotic zeal and distinguished himself in many spheres of military and public life.”
The former president hailed Mohammed as a “bundle of integrity and incorruptibility,” recalling his tenure as the military governor of the old Benue-Plateau State between 1975 and 1976, where he displayed uncommon dedication, loyalty, and incorruptible leadership.
Obasanjo noted that Mohammed was among the early officers trained in military intelligence and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Security Organisation (NSO), now the Department of State Services (DSS), following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed.
He further recounted that at the request of then-Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, he persuaded Mohammed to serve as National Security Adviser between 1998 and 1999, a role in which he once again demonstrated courage and competence.
“When I decided to appoint a Chief of Staff with a military background to bridge the transition from military to civilian rule, I needed someone I could trust completely — someone dedicated, loyal, and committed to the cause of a stable democracy,” Obasanjo said. “I could not find a better person than Major General Abdullahi Mohammed.”
Describing him as a true soldier and great nationalist, Obasanjo praised Mohammed’s lifelong devotion to Nigeria’s unity and his belief in a nation governed by fairness and justice.
“Indeed, the history of our struggle for national unity, democracy, and good governance cannot be written without ample reference to his patriotic and selfless service,” he added.
On behalf of his family, Obasanjo extended condolences to the late general’s loved ones, praying that Allah grants him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.
Major General Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed passed away today, November 5, 2025, in Abuja, at the age of 86.