Kwara State Government has confirmed the passing of Major General Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed (rtd), a former National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Chief of Staff to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
He died in Abuja on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 86, following an age-related illness.
In a condolence statement, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State described the late General as a “fine soldier, administrator, and community leader,” praising him as a career officer who made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
The governor said the news of General Adangba’s death marks a profound loss not only for the Ilorin Emirate but also for Nigeria, calling it “a painful closure to a bright chapter in the country’s political and military history.”
Throughout his illustrious career, General Adangba served in several key capacities, including Military Governor of the former Benue-Plateau State, Director General of the defunct National Security Organization (NSO), National Security Adviser, and Chief of Staff to two successive presidents. His service, marked by discipline, patriotism, and integrity, left a legacy of excellence in both military and civil administration.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the revered elder statesman. He noted that General Adangba was a “proud indigene of Ilorin Emirate and a distinguished Nigerian who used his positions, strength, and wealth to protect and promote the heritage of Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.”
According to the Emir, the late General’s commitment to national unity, his charitable acts, and his efforts to uplift the less privileged reflected his compassion and unwavering dedication to service.
Adding his voice to the tributes, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, recounted the late General’s instrumental role in the institution’s early development. He revealed that the University’s first operations were conducted in a building owned by General Adangba, who also provided vital administrative and financial assistance that sustained the institution in its formative years.
Professor Egbewole described him as “an illustrious son of Nigeria whose contributions to national development and education will be sorely missed,” extending heartfelt condolences to the Kwara State Government, the Emir of Ilorin, the University community, and the bereaved family.
Governor Abdulrazaq, the Emir, and the University leadership joined in praying for Allah to grant the late General Aljannah Firdaus and to give his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
What You Should Know
Major General Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed (rtd) was a distinguished Nigerian military officer and statesman who served as Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State, Director General of the NSO, National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Chief of Staff to Presidents Obasanjo and Yar’Adua.
A proud son of the Ilorin Emirate, he was also a major supporter of the University of Ilorin, playing a foundational role in its early years. He passed away in Abuja at the age of 86 after a lifetime of national service and community impact.
