By Uche Amunike
The Nigerian Army has named a new office complex at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, the Bornu state capital, after the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru who died with 10 other military personnel in an air crash on 21st May 2021 at the Kaduna International Airport.
This was disclosed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
The new Chief of Army staff, Major Gen Farouk Yahaya, who is to officially assume duties, Friday in Abuja has said that the gesture was to honor Attahiru for his contributions and sacrifice towards uplifting the Nigerian Army.
He stated that the new facility would provide befitting offices to meet the demands of the recent expansion and restructuring of the counter-terrorism operation in the North-east.
He also assured that’s the facility would provide environment conducive for the officers and administrative staff to perform their duties.
The Cantonment Maintenance Officer, Major Suleiman did explain that the new structure has the capacity to accommodate staff officers and other supporting staff. It consists of six medium size en-suite offices, two executive size en-suite offices, two Personal Assistants’ offices, as well as two offices for administrative staff.
A 40-day prayer held in the honour of the deceased and 10 other military officers, formed part of the highlights of the event.
It was attended by widow of the late Attahiru, Mrs Fati Attahiru, families as well as friends of the deceased amongst several other dignitaries.
Army Chief Yahaya expressed his condolences to the widows, children and relations of the deceased urging them not to despair and assured them of the continued support of the Nigerian Army.
Durng the prayers held at the Niger Barracks, Abuja, the Director, Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army Brigadier General Shehu Mustapha prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased, eternal rest in Al-Janah Fir-daus.
He prayed that God grants the families and their relations the Nigerian Army as well as their friends, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He further stated that the death of Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others is a great loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large, reminding all to be careful about the way they live their lives here on earth, in order to be ready for their lives’ final journey.
Dignitaries at the occasion were the Chief of Operations Army, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi; Theatre Commander, OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa; Provost Marshal Army, Maj.-Gen. Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba; Chief of Military Intelligence (Army) Brig.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division/Commander Sector 1, OPHK, Brig.-Gen. Abdulwahab Eyitayo, Component Commanders OPHK and Principal Staff Officers, amongst others.
The new Chief of Army Staff was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on September 22, 1990.
He was Garrison Commander, Headquarters Guards Brigade; Directing Staff, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC); Deputy Director, Army Research and Development; and Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.
Yahaya also served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Minister of Defence and Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade and 29 Task Force Brigade (Operation Zaman Lafiya).
He was formerly Military Secretary; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, and Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI.
The new Chief will assume office today, Friday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
