The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru has died in an air crash today while on an official trip to Kaduna, PR Nigeria reports.
A recent tweet by the Nigerian Airforce confirms that there was an air crash involving its aircraft near Kaduna International Airport.
Nigerian Army demolishes unserviceable ammunition, explosives in Imo
Lt. General Attahiru was appointed on 26 January 2021. Having previously saved with distinction in the war against Boko Haram, his elevation was greeted with celebrations in the northeast.
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.
Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
21/5/21 pic.twitter.com/N01V2M6qUc— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) May 21, 2021
Who was Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru?
Until his death, Lt. Gen. Attahiru Ibrahim was a Nigerian Army Lieutenant General who served as the 21st Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army.
Born on August 1966 in Doka Kaduna North Central, he had his education in the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Command & Staff College Jaji, as well as Nigerian Army School of Infantry and was in active service from 1984 – 2021.
Prior to his appointment as the Chief Of Army Staff, he was the commanding officer of 146 Battalion Nigerian Army operation (Operation Harmony 4) in the Bakassi Peninsula, Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army (Operation PULO SHIELD), General officer commanding 8 Divison Nigerian Army.
He was also a theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Outfit in the North Eastern Part of the country.
He was also highly decorated with a United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) medal, ECOMOG medal, Forces service star, a meritorious service star, Field command medal, amongst others.
