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Tag: Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru

  • AIB Submits Interim Report On Crash That Killed Attahiru, 10 Others

    AIB Submits Interim Report On Crash That Killed Attahiru, 10 Others

    The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Wednesday submitted its interim report on the Air Force plane crash that killed the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military officers.

    AIB Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru submitted the report to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao in Abuja, four months after the tragic incident that occurred in Kaduna State.

    This was disclosed in a statement jointly signed by the Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet and AIB General Manager of Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi.

    “After about three months of painstaking joint investigation, the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Engr Akin Olateru FNSE, today 15 September 2021 submitted an interim report on the sad incident to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Amao, at his office at NAF Headquarters, Abuja,” the statement partly read.

    “The submitted report is organized into three sections namely; the information obtained in the course of the investigation; analysis of data collected in view of the Board’s Terms of Reference; and the conclusion, which covers the initial findings and immediate recommendations.

    “It should be noted that at this interim stage, a total of 27 initial findings and 8 immediate safety recommendations were made for the convening authority as well as other aviation related agencies for immediate implementation.

    “It is expected that the final report will contain the flight data recorder readout, the reviewed operator’s and service provider’s standard operating procedures as well as other detailed analysis.”

    While receiving the report, the Chief of Air Staff reiterated the main essence of activating the ‘joint investigative’ clause contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the NAF and the AIB on 1st July, 2020.

    According to him, the successful collaboration is a clear indication of the potency of partnership in aircraft accident investigation which must be encouraged.

    Air Marshal Amao also noted that such collaborative efforts make accident investigations more transparent while stating that the outcome of the investigation is not necessarily aimed at punitive measures but essentially at improving safety in the aviation industry.

  • COAS names office complex after Attahiru

    COAS names office complex after Attahiru

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has opened a new office complex built and named after the late COAS, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

    The office accommodation is located at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Yahaya said that the gesture was to honour Attahiru for his contributions and sacrifice towards uplifting the Nigerian Army.

    He said that the new facility would provide befitting offices to meet demands of the recent expansion and restructuring of the counter-terrorism operation in the North- East.

    The COAS also said that the facility would provide environment conducive for the staff officers and administrative staff to perform their duties.

  • Army To Hold Passing Out Parade For Recruits One Week After Attahiru’s Death

    Army To Hold Passing Out Parade For Recruits One Week After Attahiru’s Death

    The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 80 Regular Recruit Intakes (RRI) has been postponed to May 29 following the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

    Attahiru, alongside 10 other senior military personnel died last week Friday in a plane crash in Kaduna State.

    Capt. Audu Arigu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Depot, announced the postponement via a statement on Tuesday.

    The ceremony was originally scheduled for May 22 with the late Army chief supposed to serve as Reviewing Officer and Special Guest of Honour.

    He was also expected to commission a new medical center for the depot as part of the event.

    Arigu noted that the POP was one of the series of activities lined up to mark the end of the rigorous training involved in the process of making a soldier.

    He said the event was the climax of the recruits’ intensive training, adding that the ceremony showcases the height of military discipline and regimentation.

  • Losing Attahiru, other Officers Has Increased Our Problems – Buhari Laments

    Losing Attahiru, other Officers Has Increased Our Problems – Buhari Laments

    President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented the Friday crash that led to the loss of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military personnel, saying the incident has compounded the nation’s woes.

    He stated this on Monday while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at the State House who came to condole with him on the fatal air crash in Kaduna State, adding that only God knows why the tragic incident happened while expressing a resolve to work harder.

    President Buhari told the delegation that he is hoping that God would provide the enablement for the nation to deal with challenges.

    “To lose choice officers has increased our problem but we know what we are in for and we will continue to work hard and pray hard so that God will give us the power to appreciate and apply ourselves to the problem,” President Buhari said.

    “This is a situation that only God knows when it will happen and it happened at a time when the security situation in the country is a fundamental issue.

    “The people who elected us, they know the promises we made within the time…the circumstances which we find ourselves…we will keep on trying and continue to do our best.”

    The delegation includes the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Caretaker Committee and Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni, and Governor Sani Bello of Niger State.

    On his part, the Ekiti State Governor commiserated with the President over the death of the military officers, affirming that the incident was one that was deeply felt by the Commander-in-Chief.

    The NGF boss recalled that the President heeded the call by governors for a change of service chiefs and the impact was already being felt.

    While noting that the death of the officers was a big blow to President Buhari, Governor Fayemi reiterated the President’s unrelenting resolve to fight the war against insecurity.

    He also reminded the President of the pledge to take care of the families of the departed.

    Fayemi said: “We’ve read your statement and this delegation of governors consider it a duty and as part of our obligation as your representatives to commiserate with you over the loss of your gallant officers.

    “We know it is an event that has touched you. When we mentioned the necessity for a change of service chiefs, you were determined to get the best set of people, you gave your assurance and the military was beginning to feel the impact.

    “We know that this is a major blow and you’re unrelenting in your quest/commitment to ensure peace and security in our country.

    “It’s unfortunate the losses we have suffered. We only pray God gives both the families and the country the fortitude to bear the loss, pray that God gives our country greater resolve to continue on the path that the late COAS towed.

    “For us, we must defeat banditry, insurgency and criminality. That’s the mandate you gave them. This should not lead to any retreat or surrender on our part.

    “As you have promised, we know that our country will do everything to ensure that the administration will do all to take care of the families of the departed officers. It’s an indication of how protected the active officers would be.”

    The nation was thrown into mourning on May 21 after a Nigerian Air Force jet crashed at the Kaduna International Airport due to bad weather.

    Besides the army chief, other victims on board the ill-fated aircraft were Brigadier Generals Ahmed Kuliya, O Olayinka, and MI Abdulkadir; Majors N Hamza, LA Hayat; Sergeants O Adesina, and Umar; as well as Aircraftman OM Oyedepo, Flt Lt TO Asaniyi, and Flt Lt AA Olufade.

    The Beechcraft 350 aircraft conveying the military officers, with registration number 5N-R203, was billed to land at the Nigerian Airforce Base in the Mando area of Kaduna but diverted to land at the civil airport.

  • Aisha Buhari Visits Attahiru’s Widow, Family

    Aisha Buhari Visits Attahiru’s Widow, Family

    The First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.

    Mrs Buhari took to Twitter on Sunday to share photos of her visit to the deceased’s family on her verified handle.

    She described the death of the late army chief and the other military officers aboard the aircraft as a monumental loss to their families and the nation at large.

    The remains of the late Attahiru and 10 other officers who died in the plane crash in Kaduna were laid to rest on Saturday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

    Other officers and who lost their lives included Brigadier-General MI Abdulkadir, Brigadier-General Olayinka, Brigadier-General Kuliya, Major LA Hayat, Major Hamza, and Sergeant Umar.

    Flight-Lieutenant TO Asaniyi, Flight-Lieutenant AA Olufade, Sergeant Adesina, and ACM Oyedepo also died in the crash.

    Elsewhere, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities, and official residences across the country.

    The directive, which was with effect from Monday to Wednesday, was announced in a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

    He explained that the presidential directive was to honour the memory and services of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, as well as the senior military officers and service members who died in a plane crash on Friday last week.

    Mustapha added that the President has approved Monday as a work-free day for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

  • House postpones security summit in honour of late Army Chief, others

    House postpones security summit in honour of late Army Chief, others

    This is to inform the general public that the House of Representatives has postponed its national security summit scheduled to hold from Monday, May 24, 2021, in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other military officers and men that died as a result of air mishap on Friday.

    The security summit will now kick off on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

    The House shares in the grief and sorrow of the families of the late top military officers and prayed that the Almighty God will grant them eternal rest.

    It should be noted that the postponement became necessary as the late Army Chief was one of the major stakeholders that would have taken part in the summit.

    The House regrets any inconvenience the postponement may cause invited guests.

  • NMA condoles with Buhari over death of Lt General Attahiru

    NMA condoles with Buhari over death of Lt General Attahiru

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has joined other well meaning Nigeria to condole with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru who died alongside other officers in a fatal plane crash close to the Kaduna Airport yesterday Friday evening.


    President of the NMA Professor Innocent Ujah in a condolence message said, ” The NMA joins other Nigerians in sharing the pains and grief of the Presidency and other well meaning Nigerians and prays that their souls find peace in God’s Kingdom while praying for the families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

    The message read, “Association is particularly pained, bearing in mind that the nation has lost a rare breed and one of her most decorated intelligent tactical officer with enormous wealth of experience in tackling the current insurgency and banditry at this time that his services are most needed.”

    Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences.

  • AIB begins investigation into military crash that killed COAS, others

    AIB begins investigation into military crash that killed COAS, others

    The Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB -N) has commenced investigation into the crash which claimed 11 lives including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, on Friday in Kaduna.

    The bureau’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday.

    Oketunbi said the investigation has commenced as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Beechcraft 350 aircraft had been recovered.

    “Investigators will download and analyse vital information contained in the recorders at the AIB-N’s world class Flight Safety Laboratory, in Abuja.

    “The mandate given to AIB-N is based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two agencies on July 1, 2020 covering areas of mutual assistance,” he said.

    Oketunbi said the investigation would be carried out diligently and professionally by its trained investigators.

    The Army Chief and his entourage were on an official trip to Kaduna when the aircraft was crashed at the Kaduna International Airport.

    All deceased passengers were later flown back to Abuja and buried at the military cemetery.

    However, Serika commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation at large.

    In a tweet, the Minister wrote: “With heavy heart we in Civil Aviation commiserate with the Nation & the C-in-C on the NAF air crash.

    “Investigation has commenced today in accordance with our recent MOU with the military. We pray Allah grant mercy to their souls & may the outcome prevent future occurrence.”

    Meanwhile, some Nigerians have called on constituted authorities to probe the cause of the mishap that killed Attahiru and the other officers onboard.

  • Final Interment For COAS Attahiru, 10 Others Hold In Abuja

    Final Interment For COAS Attahiru, 10 Others Hold In Abuja

    The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other officers who died in a plane crash have arrived at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja for final interment.

    The officers died on Friday, in a Beachcraft 350 aircraft at the Kaduna International Airport.

    Their remains were on Saturday moved to the National Mosque and the Nigerian Air Force Protestant Church venues of prayers.

    The remains were later moved to the National Military Cemetary interment ceremony.

    The burial ceremony started around 2.50 pm with a profile of the late COAS read.

    A moment of silence was observed after which the fallen officers were honoured with a 21-gun salute.

    Dignitaries at the event include Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao; Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, among others.

    The Nigerian Army had earlier on Friday announced the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.

    The sad event also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew.

    The COAS was en route Kaduna from Abuja when the unfortunate incident happened.

  • Late Gen Attahiru was shinning star – Kaduna Governor

    Late Gen Attahiru was shinning star – Kaduna Governor

    …Says dead came too soon

    By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Government said it has received with immense sadness, the news of the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other senior military officers in a plane crash which occurred in Kaduna on Friday evening.

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai said that Lt.Gen. Attahiru was a shining star whose sudden death has robbed Nigeria of an officer striving to bring new drive to secure the country against terrorists and other threats to national security.
    Samuel Aruwan

    This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the internal security and Home Affairs commissioner Mr Samuel Aruwan.

    The Governor said the news of General Attahiru’s death has left him deeply shaken, with a sense of great personal loss, coming so soon after his appointment had brought immense pride and a sense of hope to the people of Kaduna State.

    Governor El-Rufai on behalf of the Government and People of Kaduna State, has extended his condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, all branches of the military, especially the Nigerian Army, and the family of General Attahiru, as well as the families of all the officers who have lost their lives in this national tragedy.

    He prayed to Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest, and comfort their families as the nation, grapples with this colossal and very painful loss.