Ex-Air Force Spokesman, Maigida Slumps, Dies In Abuja

The Immediate past Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida, is dead.

According to available information, the unfortunate incident occurred in Abuja, the nation’s capital, where Maigida unexpectedly slumped and died.

Confirming the development, a family source, who described Maigia’s death as “quite shocking”, said the senior military officer was hale and hearty before the sad incident took place.

Also, the former DOPRI, Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (rtd) confirmed the unfortunate incident on his Facebook page, describing late Maigida as a dependable subordinate to his superiors and a compassionate superior to his subordinates.

“I join the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and men and DOPRI personnel to mourn the death of Air Commodore Wap Maigida. A dependable subordinate to his superiors and a compassionate superior to his subordinates”, Shehu wrote.

Maigida assumed office as DOPRI on January 6, 2023, taking over from his predecessor, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who is now the Commander 551 NAF Station, Jos.

A member of 42 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maigida, was commissioned into the NAF in 1995. He had a Master of Science Degree in Security and Strategic Studies and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History both from NDA. He equally obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertisement from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos.

Among notable military courses attended by Maigida were National Defence Course at the National Defence College Nigeria; and the Air War Course at Air Force War College in Makurdi, Benue State. Also, the list of courses include the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna and the Senior Staff Course at the Air Force Command College in Beijing, China.

He also participated in the International Public Affairs Officers course at the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre in Sweden; Civil-Military Relations/Cooperation Course at Indonesian National Defence Forces Peacekeeping Centre, Indonesia; and the Deputy Spokesman Course at the Joint Information Activities Group, Royal Air Force Base, Halton, United Kingdom.

Prior to his appointment as the NAF image maker, late Maigida was Commander, 551 NAF Station, Jos and at several times, had also served as Acting Director and Deputy Director, Defence Information at Defence Headquarters; Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information; and Deputy Director Civil-Military Relations, both at the NAF Headquarters

An active member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Maigida was NAF’s 18th DOPRI