President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the demise of the Chief of Naval Operations of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, who passed away on Thursday after a protracted illness.
In a statement published on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed condolences to the family of the dead, as well as officers and men of the Nigerian Navy and the leadership of the Armed Forces.
“President Tinubu condoled with his family, officers and men of the Nigerian Navy, and the leadership of the Armed Forces over the loss.
“The President described Rear Admiral Katagum’s passing as a blow to the military and the country, given his vast experience and invaluable contributions to the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces as a whole,” the statement read.
The late senior officer held several key positions in the Nigerian Navy, including Director of Presidential Communication, Command and Control Center (PC4), and Chief of Intelligence.
He was appointed Chief of Naval Operations in November 2025. The president praised the late rear admiral for his courage, leadership, and dedication to mentoring younger officers.
Tinubu also prayed for his soul’s repose as well as comfort for his family and coworkers during the grieving period.
Katagum died in Egypt, where he was receiving medical treatment, and has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
