The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the death of Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele, describing his passing as a painful loss to Nigeria’s foreign service.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa said Mr Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness.

Until his death, he was a director in the ministry’s Middle East and Gulf Division and recently been appointed ambassador-designate to Algeria following Senate confirmation.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces, with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the passing of Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele, which occurred in the early hours of 19th April 2026 in Ankara, Türkiye.

“Ambassador Lele, a Career Diplomat, was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR as Ambassador-Designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of his nomination,“ the statement read.

Born in the Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State in 1976, Mr Lele held a degree in Economics from the Bayero University, Kano, and joined the foreign service in 2001.

He served in Nigerian missions in Berlin, Lome, and Riyadh during his diplomatic career.

“Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele was a dedicated, meticulous, and exemplary diplomat who served the nation with steadfast loyalty and distinction. 

“During his enviable career, Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight, and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the statement noted. 

The ministry said his death was a loss to his family, the foreign service, and Nigeria

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, was present at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport alongside senior directors to receive his remains upon arrival from Istanbul, Türkiye, where he died.

The ministry added that the late ambassador was buried on 22 April 2026 in Kano according to Islamic rites.

It extended condolences to his family, associates, and the government and people of Bauchi State, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.