Major General Hussaini Ahmed, former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army during the tenure of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai as Chief of Army Staff, was on Thursday assassinated by suspected unidentified gunmen along the Lokoja-Abuja highway.
The General was said to be coming from Okene, Kogi State with his in-law when they were attacked by the gunmen who also kidnapped his in law.
The gunmen were said to have suddenly sprung out from the bush and opened fire on his vehicle.
General Hussaini, who is presently posted to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, reportedly did not travel with escorts. He also reportedly served as a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja until his death.
The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the demise in a statement Thursday night titled, “Former Army Provost Marshal Passes On”.
He said, “With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Maj Gen Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army.
“The sad incident occurred when the senior officer’s vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja-Abuja road on Thursday 15 July 2021.
“A delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Maj Gen Anthony Omozoje has visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family.
“Members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje have also visited the family to condole with them.
“The remains of the deceased senior officer will be accorded a befitting burial at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery on Friday 16 July 2021 by 10. 00 am”.
“With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Maj Gen Hussaini Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army,” the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement issued on Friday morning.
“The sad incident occurred when the senior officer’s vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja-Abuja road yesterday 15 July 2021.”
The late officer will be buried on Friday at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery.
“A delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Maj Gen Anthony Omozoje has visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family,” Onyeama added.
“Members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje have also visited the family to condole with them.”
Until his death, he served as a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The incident comes a few days after gunmen killed the acting Commanding Officer of 196 Battalion, Major MS Samaila.
He was shot dead in Dundubus, Jigawa while on his way to Kano from Maiduguri. Major Samaila was with his orderly, Alisu Aliyu.
“The officer was shot dead, and his orderly sustained gunshot wound. The officer’s body has been deposited at Shekoni Dutse. The soldier is receiving medical attention accordingly,” the army said.
Insecurity has taken a frightening dimension in the country in recent months with mass kidnapping and banditry on the rise.
Despite reassurances from the government and security agencies, critics believe authorities are only paying lip services to secure the country.
