Retired General Victor Malu, who was Army chief during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration has been reported dead. He was aged 70, according to family sources that confirmed his passage.
He was said to have died on Sunday in a Cairo hospital in Egypt.
A relation of the deceased, Ben Adoor, who reportedly confirmed Malu’s death said the General died in a Cairo hospital.
Malu was one of the controversial army officers that resisted the setting up of military command in West Africa by the United States, a move that set him on collision course with Obasanjo and marred their once cordial relations.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) mourns the passing of Malu.
In a statement by the Party it described Malu as “A recipient of the Force Service Star (FSS) Award, Meritorious Service Star (MSS) Award, Distinguished Service Star (DSS) Award, among others, Nigeria has indeed lost one of its finest military officers who distinguished himself and made the country proud in several local and international assignments he undertook during his illustrious military career.”
The statement signed by APC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi fondly recalls the distinguished service of the late Malu as Force Commander of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) peace-keeping force in Liberia from 1996 to 1998.
“His impressive performance earned him commendations from both Liberians and international observers over improvements that followed his taking command.
“In the course of the late Malu’s eventful tenure as the country’s Chief of Army Staff from 1999 to 2001, he doggedly canvassed and undertook reforms aimed at establishing a truly national army with a deep sense of purpose.
“The Party condoles with the immediate family, the Nigerian Army and the government and people of Benue state over the painful loss. We pray the Almighty God grant the late Malu eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss,” Abdullahi said.