Breaking: Former NSA and ex-Chief of Staff, Gen. Muhammad Abdullahi ‘Atoto’, dies at 86

Breaking: Former NSA and ex-Chief of Staff, Gen. Muhammad Abdullahi ‘Atoto’, dies at 86

 

Nigeria’s military and political circles have been thrown into mourning following the death of Major General Muhammad Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), popularly known as Atoto, a distinguished officer, former National Security Adviser, and Chief of Staff to two Nigerian Presidents.

Family sources confirmed that the respected Ilorin-born general passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 86. His death, they said, is a monumental loss to Ilorin Emirate, the Armed Forces, and the nation at large.

A statement from the family read: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. We lost Gen. Abdullah Muhammad Adangba (Atoto) around 1 a.m. today. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, console us and his family, and grant him Aljannah. Ameen ya Rabb.”

A Life of Service and Loyalty

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, in 1939, the late General began his military career after attending the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1958.

 

He rose steadily through the ranks and served as Director of Military Intelligence before playing a key role in the 1975 coup that brought General Murtala Mohammed to power. Following the coup, he was appointed Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State, a position he held from July 1975 to February 1976.

 

Under the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, Mohammed was named Director-General of the National Security Organisation (NSO)—the forerunner of the present Department of State Services (DSS)—serving from 1976 until his retirement in 1979.

After leaving active service, he went into private business, managing Atoto Press Limited in Ilorin, but his retirement was short-lived. In 1998, he was recalled to national service as National Security Adviser (NSA) to Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a role he held until the return to democratic governance in 1999.

He later served as Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo and continued in that role under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua until his resignation in 2008.

Throughout his long and storied career, General Mohammed was widely respected as a disciplined officer, trusted aide, and quiet power broker who shaped Nigeria’s security and political institutions for decades.

Nation mourns a patriot

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late general, whom many described as a selfless leader and pillar of integrity. “He served his country with honour and stood firm for unity and discipline,” one associate said.

“May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljanah Firdaus,” another message read.

According to family sources, burial arrangements will be announced later in accordance with Islamic rites.