By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Chief of Operations at Naval Headquarters (NHQ), Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, who passed away in Egypt during a medical follow-up visit.
Source gathered that the senior naval officer died at a hospital in Egypt, where he had travelled for further medical evaluation after undergoing an initial surgery in September last year.
Rear Admiral Katagum, a highly regarded strategist and intelligence expert, had recently been appointed Chief of Operations by the Chief of Naval Staff. In that capacity, he oversaw critical operational activities across Nigeria’s maritime domain and played a central role in coordinating efforts to combat piracy, crude oil theft, and other maritime crimes.
Before his latest appointment, he served at the Defence Headquarters and previously held the strategic position of Chief of Naval Intelligence, where he was instrumental in strengthening intelligence-driven operations and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rear Admiral Katagum was widely respected for his operational insight, discipline, and commitment to professional excellence. Senior officers described him as a meticulous planner whose foresight and strategic depth significantly boosted the operational readiness of the Nigerian Navy.
Under his watch in various capacities, the Navy consolidated gains in maritime security, improved intelligence architecture, and reinforced Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard its territorial waters and maritime assets.
News of his passing has elicited an outpouring of grief within the Armed Forces and the broader security community. Colleagues and subordinates remember him as a calm, cerebral, and principled leader who combined firmness with humility and remained deeply committed to the welfare and mentorship of younger officers.
His death marks a significant loss to the Nigerian Navy at a time when maritime security remains critical to national stability and economic growth.
Rear Admiral Katagum is survived by his family, colleagues, and a generation of officers who continue to draw inspiration from his legacy of service, courage, and unwavering dedication to Nigeria.
