Ex-Chief of Staff to President Obasanjo, General Abdullahi Mohammed, passes at 86

Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), popularly known as Adangba, a former Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has passed away at the age of 86.

According to a statement by the family, the retired general died in the early hours of Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

The late Mohammed, a distinguished Kwaran and one of Nigeria’s most experienced security administrators, was widely respected for his decades of service to the nation.

During his illustrious career, he held several key national positions, including Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) and President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2008). He also served as National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar between 1998 and 1999.

Earlier in his career, he was Director-General of the National Security Organization (NSO) from 1976 to 1979 under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo. He also served as Military Governor of the former Benue-Plateau State between July 1975 and February 1976.

Born in 1939, Major General Mohammed’s public service career was marked by integrity, discipline, and patriotism.

The family, in its statement, prayed for Allah’s mercy on his soul and for his admission into Al-Jannat Firdaus.