President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of late Lieutenant-General Victor Malu (rtd) as well as the government and people of Benue on the death of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President also commiserated with the Nigerian Armed Forces on the demise of an officer he described as “a very distinguished and professional colleague.’’
According to President Buhari, the deceased had demonstrated incredible courage and leadership, including his posting during very turbulent times in Liberia.
The President recalled that as Force Commander of the ECOMOG peace-keeping troops in Liberia from 1996 to 1998, General Malu was ‘an icon of professionalism, bravery and discipline’.
He said late Malu aptly demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international military assignments, adding that he will be fondly remembered for his dedication and commitment as a military officer; and his numerous landmark contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.
The president charged the bereaved family, friends and associates to honour Malu’s memory by upholding his invaluable sacrifices for a peaceful and united Nigeria. He therefore prayed that Almighty God would comfort all who mourned Gen Malu, and grant his soul perfect peace.
Born on January 15, 1947 at Katsina-Ala, Benue, Malu died at a Cairo hospital in Egypt in the early hours of Monday at the age of 70.
Malu enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, in 1967 as part of the 3rd Regular Course and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant enlisted upon graduation in 1970. He also attended Command and Staff College, Jaji and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.
The late General served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 1999 to 2001 and Force Commander, ECOMOG peace-keeping force in Liberia between 1996 and 1998.
