Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Attahiru Dies in Kaduna Military Plane Crash

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru has died in a plane crash that occured in northwestern Kaduna State.

The Military plane was reportedly ferrying the Chief of Army Staff other top military personnel.

According to reports, the crash happened around 18:15hrs on Friday while the aircraft was making efforts to land in the rain.

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He was visiting the state ahead of Saturday’s passing out parade of soldiers from the Nigerian Army depot, Zaria.

In a statement, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not give details.

“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” read the statement which was signed by Edward Gabkwet, the force’s Director of Public Relations and Information.

Reports however suggest the military plane was carrying the Chief of Army Staff and a few other top military personnel. There was no survivor.

Lt General Attahiru was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26, 2021.

Born on 10th August 1966 in Doka, Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State, he graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He commenced cadets training in January 1984 and was commissioned into the rank of Second Lieutenant in December 1986 as an Infantry Officer.

He holds a Masters degree in Strategic Management and Policy Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

General Attahiru has held several appointments on the staff, instructional and in command during his military career.

He had a tour of duty with the United Nations in Sierra Leone as a Military Observer, where he facilitated United Kingdom military engagement, Operation BARASS in September 2000.

He was an Operation Officer and later Company Commander in NIBATT 19 ECOMOG Operations in Liberia.

He also had the privilege of having commanded with distinction all through the chain of command in the Nigerian Army.

Prominent among these appointments are Commanding Officer 146 Battalion Nigerian Army (Operation HARMONY IV) in the Bakassi Peninsula, Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army (Operation PULO SHIELD), General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army.

He was one time Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

By Abel Ejikeme

 

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