Unknown gunmen have killed a Nigerian army general on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

The general was a provost marshal. He was killed on Thursday.

The army, in a statement, identified the general as Maj.-Gen. Hassan Ahmed.

The death was announced in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Nwachukwu said the killing occurred when the senior officer’s vehicle was attacked by the gunmen while transiting along Lokoja–Abuja road on Thursday.

“With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Maj.-Gen. Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army.

“A delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje, has visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family.

“Members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje, have also visited the family to condole with them.

“The remains of the deceased senior officer will be accorded a befitting burial at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery on Friday, July 16 by 10.00 a.m.,” he said.

Earlier this month, armed robbers shot dead the acting Commanding Officer of 196 Battalion, Major MS Samaila, in Dundubus, Jigawa.

Mr Samalia was killed at about 11:30 p.m. on July 4 while on his way to Kano from Maiduguri with his orderly, Alisu Aliyu, a signal by the Nigerian Army said.

“At about 042330A Jul 21, One Maj MS Samaila, Acting Commanding Officer 196Bn on his way to Kano from Maiduguri with his orderly 20NA/79/4559 LCpl Alisu Aliyu were attacked by Armed Robbers at Dundubus,” the army stated.

Mr Aliyu sustained gunshot injuries and was currently receiving medical attention, while the deceased’s body was deposited at the Shekoni Specialist Hospital Dutse.

“The officer was shot dead, and his orderly sustained gunshot wound. The officer’s body has been deposited at Shekoni Dutse. The soldier is receiving medical attention accordingly,” the statement added.

(NAN)