The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, has died in a plane crash with some of his aides.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Nigerian Air Force Director of Information confirmed the mishap in a statement.
“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport.
“The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon”, the spokesman noted.
Military sources disclosed that Gen. Attahiru was said to be on the trip to Kaduna.
“Efforts were on to locate the wreckage of the plane and evacuate remains of the victims.
“His mission to Kaduna was said to be “official.”
Attahiru was among the Service Chiefs appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January.
Others are General Leo Irabor – Chief of Defence Staff; Vice Admiral A. Z. Gambo – Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal I. O. Amao – Chief of Air Staff.
The quartet replaced ex-Defence Chief, General Abayomi Olonisakin; ex-Army Chief, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai; ex-Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, and ex-Air Chief, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Details shortly…