President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, the Chief of Naval Operations of the Nigerian Navy, who died on February 19, 2026, after a prolonged illness, the presidency said in a statement.
Rear Admiral Musa Katagum was the Chief of Naval Operations, a senior leadership position within the Nigerian Navy responsible for coordinating and overseeing operational activities.
Before his appointment to that role in November 2025, he served in several strategic capacities in the naval service, including as Director of Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre (PC4), and Chief of Intelligence of the Nigerian Navy.
The presidency released a statement on Friday through President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, offering condolences to Katagum’s family, officers and men of the Nigerian Navy, and the leadership of the Armed Forces.
President Tinubu described Rear Admiral Katagum’s death as a significant loss to the military and the country, highlighting his extensive experience and contributions to the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces.
In the statement, Tinubu praised the late officer’s valour, leadership, dedication to duty and his role in mentoring junior officers and prayed for comfort for his family and colleagues during the period of mourning.
Katagum died on February 19, 2026, after a protracted illness while receiving medical care. He was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Katagum’s passing removes a senior operational leader from the Nigerian Navy’s top command at a time when maritime and coastal security remain key priorities for national defence and security policy.
His varied roles within the service, including intelligence and operational leadership, reflect longstanding career experience within the navy’s strategic and operational framework.
