The Nigerian Navy has announced the death of its Chief of Operations at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Musa Bello Katagum, following a brief illness.
The Navy’s spokesperson, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the senior officer died in Egypt where he was receiving medical treatment.
According to him, the late rear admiral has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
“The Nigerian Navy regrets to announce the passing of Rear Admiral Musa Bello Katagum, who, until his demise, served as the Chief of Operations at the Naval Headquarters, where his invaluable contributions were instrumental to the operational successes of the Nigerian Navy in recent times,” the statement read.
Folorunsho said the Chief of the Naval Staff, officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Navy were deeply saddened by the loss.
“Rear Admiral Katagum was a dedicated and highly respected senior officer whose career was marked by exceptional professionalism, commitment to duty and invaluable contributions to naval operations and national security.
“Throughout his distinguished service in the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Katagum demonstrated exemplary leadership, strategic insight and unwavering loyalty to the ideals and mission of the Nigerian Navy. His legacy will remain a source of inspiration to all personnel across the Services,” he added.
Until his death, Katagum occupied the strategic position of Chief of Operations at the Naval Headquarters, where he coordinated and supervised operational activities of the Navy across the country.
The office plays a key role in maritime security, counter-insurgency support, and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial waters and economic assets.
His death comes at a time the Navy has intensified operations against piracy, oil theft and other maritime crimes across the nation’s waterways.
