Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, a former Chief of Defence Staff, passed away at the age of 75 following a brief illness. The announcement of his death came in a statement by Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the acting director of Defence Information, on Sunday. Admiral Ogohi died early in the morning at his home in Abuja.
Admiral Ogohi served as the Chief of Defence Staff from 1999 to 2003, marking a significant tenure in Nigeria’s military history. He made history as the first Nigerian Navy officer to achieve the rank of a four-star general.
“Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff (1999-2003), has passed away in Abuja today,” Brigadier-General Gusau solemnly announced. “Further details will follow.”
Born on November 14, 1948, in Okura Olafia, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Admiral Ogohi began his education at St John’s College, Kaduna, where he attended from 1962 to 1966. He later joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967 as part of Regular Course 4, graduating in 1970.
His military career took him abroad for various specialized courses, including a Midshipman course in the UK in 1971, a technical course in India in 1972, and an Underwater Warfare Course in India in 1976. He also attended the U.S. Naval War College Courses in 1980 and 1992, further enhancing his expertise.
Throughout his career, Admiral Ogohi held pivotal commands, including serving as the commanding officer of Eken NNS France in 1982 and Commander NNS Anansa in 1985. He also contributed significantly to military education and administration, serving as the Director of Administration at the NDA from 1986 to 1987 and later as the Directing Staff at the National War College in 1992. He culminated his career as the Deputy Commandant at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in 1995.
Admiral Ogohi’s passing comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as security challenges persist, particularly with the activities of Boko Haram and its affiliate groups. The resurgence of suicide bombings in Borno State has heightened concerns about regional security, prompting authorities to impose curfews in affected areas. Gwoza, located near Chibok where the infamous abduction of 276 schoolgirls occurred in 2014, remains a focal point of these security measures. Sadly, nearly a hundred of the abducted girls are still in captivity, underscoring ongoing challenges in the region.
Since the Chibok abduction, incidents of student kidnappings have escalated across Nigeria, with armed groups exploiting these acts for financial gain and territorial control. This trend underscores the complex security landscape that Admiral Ogohi and his successors have navigated over the years.
Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to Nigeria and its armed forces. His contributions to national security and military professionalism will be remembered as the country continues to address its security challenges and strive for peace and stability.
