Death in Service of the Nation

Chiemelie Ezeobi, Rebecca Ejifoma, Ayodeji Ake, Sunday Ehigiator and Chiamaka Ozulumba write that the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru alongside his generals, aides and crew of the ill-fated Nigerian Air Force aircraft, was a blow to the Armed Forces and the fight against insurgency

When Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, was appointed as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), one of his key derivatives was his drive to quell insurgency in the North-east. His drive was understandable, especially for a region that reportedly gave him trouble when he was Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole until 2017 when he was removed by the then COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

Upon his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26, 2021, Attahiru, who was the then General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, had taken the war against insurgency seriously. In fact, he had reportedly been to Borno State more than six times since his appointment to have a first hand feel of the ongoing operations. Aside Borno, he had also visited different army formations to motivate troops in the frontlines.

On Friday, May 21, 2021, the COAS alongside his entourage of generals and aides set off from Abuja to Kaduna. The mission was supposed to be simple- attend the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the recruits of depot Nigerian Army to herald their joining the workforce of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN)- and return back to Abuja.

A member of the Regular Course 35 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the COAS boarded Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft 350 aircraft and set off to their destination. On getting to Kaduna International Airport, they hit inclement weather whilst trying to land and despite efforts by the NAF pilots to steer the aircraft to safety, the worst happened- the aircraft crashed and killed all 11 onboard.

Roll Call Of Dead

According to the manifest, the passengers of the ill-fated aircraft were the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru; acting Chief of Military Intelligence, Brigadier General Abdulkadir Kuliya; Chief of Staff to the late COAS, Brigadier General Mohammed Idris Abdulkadir; Brigadier General Olatunji Lukman Olayinka, Aide-De-Camp to the COAS, Major Lawal Aliyu Hayat, and Major Nura Hamza.

Others were the pilots of the ill-fated aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Taiwo Olufemi Asaniyi and Flight Lieutenant Alfred Ayodeji Olufade, as well as Sergeant Opeyemi Isaiah Adesina, Sergeant Umar Saidu and Aircraftman (ACM) Olamide Matthew Oyedepo.

Conspiracy Theories

After the crash, speculations were rife as to the true state of their death. In fact, conspiracy theories went to town as the rumour mill churned out many likely causes. From the absurd to the outrightly outrageous, they speculated that the deaths might not be totally unrelated to the allegations of coup and infiltration by terrorists.

Some further raised speculations about the state of the aircraft with some alluding that the crash would further exacerbate the already festering wound of the soldiers who were accidentally shot by NAF Pilots last month whilst they were battling Boko Haram terrorists.

Likely Cause

Putting all conspiracy theories to rest, the Defence Headquarters blamed the plane crash on bad weather. Defence Spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor, while praying for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, solicited the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident, adding that the AFN remains resolute in combatting the security challenges bedeviling the nation as the “sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain”.

Investigation
Soon after the crash, the CDS directed that an Accident Investigation Board (AIB) be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.

As at Saturday, the AIB said it had recovered the flight data recorder (black box) of the military aircraft that crashed in Kaduna State. In a statement on Saturday, Tunji Oketunbi, AIB general manager for public affairs, said the bureau has commenced investigation into the crash, adding that the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered for analysis.

Interment
The morning after the crash, the deceased officers and soldiers were interred. First, the bodies were moved from 44 Nigerian Army Referral Hospital, Kaduna to the National Mosque (for the muslims) and the Nigerian Airforce Protestant Church (for the Christians), both in Abuja.

They were later conveyed to the National Military Cemetery for subsequent interment. President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Major General Salihi Magashi (rtd), in his speech, described the officers’ death as a national tragedy, adding that this was a trying period for the country, given that the dead officers were among the nation’s finest.

Tears and more tears flowed as NA personnel fired the 21-gunshot salute during the burial and whilst they were being committed to Mother Earth. In attendance were top military brass, serving and retired senior officers and heads of security agencies, politicians and captains of industries.

Among those who gave an oratory at the funeral was the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Major General Benjamin Ahanotu, who described the late Chief of Army Staff as a disciplined, gallant and professional soldier, who added value to wherever he worked.

The CDS, in his remarks, titled, ‘love for country’, said the death of the senior officers was painful, but “certainly not in vain.” According to him, “it is deeply saddening that I have to give these remarks on this occasion. Why are we here? Love for country. How did we get here? Love for country. What is the purpose of the oath of allegiance? Love for country.

“ May 21, was a very sad day for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. It was a sad day for the nation as I received with shock and utter dismay the gloomy news of the sudden demise of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other gallant officers and personnel. The loss of our gallant and energetic but calm Chief of Army Staff, and other heroes of patriotic zeal is painful, but certainly not in vain.

“The recruits of depot Nigerian Army were to be on Passing Out Parade to herald their joining the workforce of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Chief of Army Staff was to be the special guest of honour at the event. One of our finest and best pilots was conveying him along with the entourage, after landing at the Kaduna International Airport, the cold hands of death, which manifested in the stormy weather ended that journey.

“The sting of death, you have not stopped the fight against all forms of insecurity. As we mourn, I remember with a deep sense of pride the lives and times of an accomplished General, reliable professional and a dependable colleague.”

Condolence
As expected, a deluge of condolence followed the death of the generals, their aides and the pilots.
President Muhammadu Buhari, whose absence raised eyebrows, in his condolence said he was deeply saddened by the air crash that claimed the lives of the late COAS and other military officers, adding that all of them are heroes who paid the ultimate price of peace and the security in the land.

He said: “This crash is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our Armed Forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country. My condolences to the families of the deceased, the entire military , and all Nigerians. The deaths of these officers will not be in vain! P
It is tragedy to the nation and we must do all we can to honour them. They were known for their uncommon loyalty, a virtue that is required of all of us at this trying moment.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the death of the COAS and others while in active service, “reflects the depth of sacrifice our military officers, men and women of other ranks are often prepared to make. Their death while in active service in the defense of our country, reflects the depth of sacrifice our military officers are often prepared to make.

“We honour the service of the Army Chief and all those involved in this unfortunate accident even as we continue to demonstrate our profound appreciation to all in our military services and in harm’s way. The gallantry of these heroes would always be remembered.”

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, also described the tragic deaths as a national disaster of immense proportion. Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ola Awoniyi, lamented that the unfortunate development has thrown the entire nation into mourning.

The statement read in part, “This incident is saddening, coming at a time there is a fresh momentum in the nation’s war against insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes. The Chief of Army Staff and the other officers gave their lives for the security and unity of Nigeria and will be remembered as heroes in the history of the country.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his media aide, Lanre Lasisi, said the deceased COAS had “shown a lot of commitment in tackling the security situation in the country”.

Describing the COAS as “a core professional officer”, he said the Nigerian military, especially the Nigeria Army, had lost a dedicated and committed senior officer whose services to the fatherland will be sorely missed.

The Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume and his navy counterpart, Senator George Sekibo, also mourned the dead. They described the deceased COAS as a hero and gallant officer who died at a time when the nation was looking up to him to effectively provide the necessary leadership that would eliminate insurgency and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.

They lamented that the late COAS had already commenced the implementation of strategies that the Nigerian Army needed to tackle external and internal forces that are threatening the nation’s peace before death struck.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Airforce, Sen Bala Ibn Na’Allah said: “While it’s saddening and unfortunate, I am greatly diminished by the sad news of the death of a perfect gentleman in name of Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers who paid the supreme price in the service of our great country.”

Corroborating, Chairman, Senate Services Committee, Senator Sani Mohammed Musa, described the death as a great loss to Nigeria especially now the country is working assiduously to nip in the bud, activities of armed bandits.

Describing Attahiru as an exemplary, unpretentious and self-effacing officer and gentleman who discharged his duties with diligence devotion and integrity, he said the late COAS had remarkably engaged the insecurity situation.

The House of Representatives Committee on Air Force described the deaths as painful and shocking. This was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Committee, Shehu Koko, who said he had embarked on an official duty to Makurdi, Benue State, last Thursday with the late COAS.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, while expressing shock over the fatal air crash, conveyed the consensus of all members of the FEC on the passion and professionalism with which General Ibrahim Attahiru discharged the responsibilities of his office, especially the prosecution of internal security operations across the country, since his appointment in January 2021.

In his condolence, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said the death of these officers is a national tragedy, as the victims were patriots who died with their boots on, in the collective quest for peace and security.

Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd), ambassador Designate to Republic of Benin and
former Chief of Army Staff in his tribute said: “I am deeply saddened by this incident that can best be described as tragic to all Nigerians and peace-loving people because Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and those officers that died along with him were top-level officers whose records of service were meritorious. .

“This unfortunate incident deeply saddens me as it robbed us of the services of the Chief of Army Staff who, since he took over from me, had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to succeed in the various military operations across the country. He was at the verge of making the nation proud in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when this tragedy occurred. I do not doubt his ability as he had served under me in various capacities and was well grounded for the job with active support and collaboration of his colleagues.

“While condoling the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I urge them to close ranks and make sure that their legacies live on by consolidating on the gains made in the various operations. They gave their lives in line of duty and patriotic service to the nation.”

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, said the death of Attahiru, and 10 others in the air mishap is a tragic, unspeakable loss for the nation.

He said: “COAS Lt. Gen. Attahiru and the others were stalwarts and brave soldiers who had dedicated their careers, and now their very lives, in the service of this nation and toward the realisation of the noble aspirations this nation represents.

“COAS Attahiru had a most distinguished career. The army and the nation will miss his excellent character and fine leadership at this moment when we are fighting terrorism or banditry in many parts of the nation. He, just like the others involved in this tragic incident, served his country with zeal and vigour. He was known as a soldier’s soldier.

“Their untimely and sad departure hurts. However, we owe it to them and to the nation to gather our strength and fortitude. We must gird ourselves that we finish the job to which they dedicated and gave their lives. Let us remember these brave patriots not with our tears, but by achieving victory over the terrorism and violence that seek to rob our nation of its finest destiny. Let this unfortunate accident not deter us but spur us and our valiant military to continue to defend this land from violence and evil.”

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa said: “Edith and I are extremely sad to learn about the passing of the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru. We pray that Almighty God grants his family, friends, and the entire Armed Forces the strength that is needed at this difficult time.”

His Kaduna State counterpart, Governor, Nasir El Rufai said he received the news with immense sadness, stating that Attahiru was a shining star, whose sudden death had robbed Nigeria of an officer striving to bring new drive to secure the country against terrorists and other threats to national security.

The governor said that the news of Attahiru’s death had 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.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu said: “This is a very painful loss considering the commitment of these fine officers to the efforts to combat insecurity in our country and win the war against insurgency.”

The Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, described the death of the officers as shocking and a big blow to the families of the victims, the military and the nation at large.

According to the statement signed by Mr. Bala Dan-Abu Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ishaku said the late Chief of Army Staff was a highly disciplined officer who assumed the leadership of the army at a time that Nigerians craved for a change in the military strategy against insecurity in the country.

“The death of the Chief of Army Staff and the other victims of the crash at this time has robbed the country of their contributions to this highly sought new strategy in the war against insecurity in Nigeria,” he added.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami described “the military aircraft crash that caused the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru as a national tragedy”.
The statement signed by the AGF’s spokesperson, Umar Gwandu, said the late army officer, who died in active service to the nation, “will always be remembered as a selfless and patriotic Nigerian who is passionate in duty”.

The United States of America also joined the deluge of those who sent in their condolence. In a tweet, they said: “We join Nigerians in mourning the tragic loss of life from today’s plane crash. The death of the Chief of @HQNigerianArmy Staff, Lt. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru is a tremendous loss to Nigeria, and his loved ones.

“During this difficult time across Nigeria when security and peace is so needed, we offer our deepest sympathy to the family of General Attahiru and to the families of all those who perished.”

On its part, the UK Mission in Nigeria said it was, “profoundly shocked and saddened by this terrible news. Our deepest condolences to the family & friends of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and all who so tragically lost their lives”.

Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd), who is the Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina wrote, “I received the shocking news of the Nigerian Air Force plane crash… which claimed the lives of the Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, who was also my former boss (when he served as Director Army Public Relations), along with some his Principal Staff Officers, Personal Staff, the pilots and the crew with sadness.

“This is heart wrenching and devastating to me. It is also sad and a monumental loss to the nation, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigerian Army and all those that knew them. I, therefore, wish to convey my sincere condolences to their families, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the officers, civilian staff and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.”

The National Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Chief Audu Ogbe, said: “We remember that only recently, the President appointed General Ibrahim Attahiru with other service chiefs to lead the fight against insurgency and all other forms of threats to our collective national security. We at the ACF were just beginning to appreciate his new approach to tackling our multiple security challenges when the news of his tragic death hit us.”

Femi Fani Kayode said although the tenure of the COAS was short after a long and distinguished career in the army, he was undoubtedly a brave and gallant soldier who served his nation with the utmost diligence and dedication.

He also added, ” we demand to know what really happened! Was it really an accident or was the plane brought down? If it was brought down, who by? Was it BH or an inside job? If it was an accident what caused it? Weather, engine failure, pilot error? So many questions! There must be no cover-ups this time! The Nigerian people have a right to know the truth and to be told under what circumstances their Chief of Army Staff and his team of officers were killed. Accident Investigation Bureau over to you!”

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq said: “My heartfelt condolences to the families of late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Attahiru Ibrahim, his staff officers, the Nigerian Airforce crew members, the military, and all Nigerians.”

Also, Senator Sheu Sani noted that “the death of the Chief of Army Staff Attahiru Ibrahim and others in a plane crash is a national tragedy.”

Former Nigerian Vice President , Atiku Abubakar said the development has caused national mourning in Nigeria, describing it as a dark day for the entire nation.

Also, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki sent his deepest and most heartfelt condolences to their families, just as the minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, expressed that he saddened by the sudden demise of COAS alongside other military personnel.

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba said he was saddened that that the late COAS died while on a patriotic mission to advance the course of peace and save the lives of others. In his tribute to the late COAS, the IG described him as “an exceptional military strategist, a friend of inestimable value, and an excellent partner in the ongoing fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the country”.

He noted that the late COAS represented “the best in the military tradition of courage, forthrightness, discipline, professional, excellence, passion for national service, and strategic leadership”.

He said the death of Lt. Gen. Attahiru is even more painful “given the equally highly-loyal, promising and professionally excellent officers, whose lights were eternally dimmed along with him in the ill-fated flight. This is in addition to the reality that he left a nation he so much loved at a time his experience and service are most critical to our nation’s stability.”

The IG urged the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, not to allow the tragic incident to dampen their morale, but to remain focused in the collective quests at restoring law and order in the country, as that will be the most befitting honour and memorial we can collectively give to the late general and the other fallen heroes.

In his tribute, security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu said the late COAS employed a productive and congruent leadership style in motivating Nigerian troops in the war against insurgency in the North-east, adding that the military chief relied upon expectancy theory and self-fulfilling prophecies (Pygmalion effect) when he charged the troops and this was responsible for the recent successes of the military against Boko Haram/ISWAP.

Dr. Ekhomu, who is National President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON) said the COAS used to pay frequent visits to the frontlines where he would directly address the troops.

“An example was when the COAS ordered his men to recapture Marte within 48 hours and it was done in less time. That was clearly a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Ekhomu expressed condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and the entire armed forces of Nigeria (AFN) on the tragic loss of the COAS and others in the air mishap, saying that “the plane crash robbed the nation of a great leadership asset in the war against insurgency at a time that the threat is mutating and assuming a terrible dimension.”

The security expert described Gen. Attahiru as a great hero who fought hard to ensure peace and security in Nigeria. He said that in the short time that Attahiru served as the Chief of Army Staff, there was a rejuvenation of the spirit of the Nigerian Army.

Ekhomu said that it was apparent that the COAS cared deeply about his men, often assuring soldiers on the frontlines that he would provide needed energic inputs for their work –including welfare. “The troops worked hard because they believed that the Chief had their backs,” he added.

He also paid tribute to other senior military executives who perished in the flight including the Director of Military Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Kuliya, the Provost Marshal, Brig. Gen Olayinka, the Chief of Staff to the COAS, Brig. Gen. Abdulkadir saying that their loss was a low blow to the military community.

He advised the AFN to focus attention on the insurgency in the North-east even as it mourns the fallen heroes because recent events – including the reported but unconfirmed death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau are redefining the battle space.

Ekhomu, who is the first chartered security professional in West Africa said: “the events of May 19th in Sambisa Forest may mean that the insurgency has changed into higher gear as ISWAP is better resourced and more brutal than Boko Haram. Taking over Sambisa forest will give ISWAP full control of the entire Borno insurgency space.”

He expressed worry that ISWAP was consolidating its control of southern Borno as it on Saturday (May 22, 2021) reportedly named Abu Musab Al Barnawi as the replacement of Mr. Shekau and also announced the arrest of 30 of Shekau’s commanders. He worried that ISWAP was acting as the defacto government in the area.