Tinubu, Obasanjo Mourn Former Chief of Staff, Major General Abdullahi Mohammed Adangba (rtd.)

President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Major General Abdullahi Mohammed Adangba (rtd.), a former Chief of Staff to Presidents Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In a condolence message released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late Adangba, who died at the age of 86, as a patriot whose contributions to Nigeria’s national security remain indelible.

The President noted that Adangba played a foundational role in the creation of the National Security Organisation (NSO), which later evolved into three major intelligence bodies, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Former President Obasanjo, in a separate statement signed by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, from Abeokuta, said he received the news of Adangba’s death with shock and sadness.

“The unexpected loss of a long-standing friend, brother, and colleague is a great personal trial,” Obasanjo said. He described the late general as a disciplined soldier, an incorruptible public servant, and a loyal aide who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.

Obasanjo recalled Adangba’s time as Military Governor of the former Benue-Plateau State between 1975 and 1976, where he demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to national unity. He also highlighted Adangba’s pioneering leadership as the first Director-General of the NSO from 1976 to 1979.

“At the request of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, I persuaded Abdul to serve as National Security Adviser during his administration in 1998–1999. He will always be remembered for his courage, discipline, and exceptional service to the Nigerian Army,” Obasanjo added.

The former President said his decision to appoint Adangba as his Chief of Staff in 1999 was based on trust, competence, and loyalty. “He ran his office with integrity and efficiency from 1999 to 2007, helping to stabilize the Presidency and support the transition from military to civilian governance,” Obasanjo noted.

He further praised Adangba for agreeing to remain briefly under President Yar’Adua to ensure a smooth transition.

“Major General Abdullahi Mohammed was a true soldier, a nationalist, and a man of fairness and justice. Nigeria’s history of unity, democracy, and good governance cannot be complete without acknowledging his patriotic and selfless contributions,” Obasanjo stated.

He extended his condolences to Adangba’s family, praying that Allah grants the deceased eternal rest. “On behalf of my family, I pray that Allah (SWT) forgives him and admits him into Al-Jannatul Firdausi. Ameen,” he concluded.