General Mohammed Abdullahi, who once served as Chief of Staff to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has passed away.
The retired military officer, a respected native of the Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 86.
Although official confirmation from the federal government is still pending, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has issued a condolence statement mourning Abdullahi’s death. Reports indicate that the late General will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Abuja later on Wednesday.
In his condolence message, signed by his press secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the elder statesman, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his life to public service and the upliftment of others.
Sulu-Gambari praised the late Abdullahi as “a proud son of Ilorin Emirate, a distinguished leader, and a detribalized Nigerian whose service and generosity left lasting impacts on both his community and the nation.”
He extended condolences to Abdullahi’s family, the governments of Kwara and Plateau States, and the federal government, while praying that Almighty Allah forgives the deceased’s shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.
Born in 1939, General Abdullahi had an illustrious career in public service. He served in several key positions, including Chief of Staff to Presidents Obasanjo (1999–2007) and Yar’Adua (2007–2008), National Security Adviser under General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999), Director-General of the National Security Organisation (1976–1979), and Governor of the former Benue-Plateau State (1975–1976).
