Buhari mourns ‘thorough-bred solder’ Dogonyaro

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of the former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Lt. Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro.

The President made his feelings known in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Thursday.

He described the demise of Dogonyaro as “a great loss not only to the Nigerian military but also to the country because of his patriotic sacrifices in defence of its unity and territorial integrity.”

He said: “The death of Dogonyaro comes as a great shock to me because as a soldier, I know what it means to lose such an officer and a gentleman who gave his best in the service of the country.”

The President further described Dogonyaro as a thoroughbred soldier who had professionally distinguished himself in the course of his military career.

"Laying down one’s life for the country is one of the greatest sacrifices any citizen can make to his country.

"Gen. Dogonyaro’s incalculable contributions will be remembered for years to come.”

Buhari also extended deepest condolences to the Government and people of Plateau State on the passing of "this legendary general."

He prayed almighty God to bless the soul of the departed and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Gen. Dogonyaro, a soldier and an administrator, was born on Sept. 12, 1940, in Vom, Plateau State, though a native of Taroh in Langtang North Local Government Area.

Dogonyaro had his early education at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, and thereafter was enlisted in the Nigerian Army, 1964.

He was commissioned Second-Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 1967; Officer Commanding, 1 Recce Squadron, NA, 1967-69; Quartermaster General, I Infantry Division (Main), N, 1969 to 1970.

The late general became Chief Instructor and Adjutant, Rece Training School, NA, 1970 to 1972; Commanding Officer, I Recce Regiment, NA., 1972 to 1976.

He was appointed Principal Staff Officer, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, 1976 to 1977; Commanding Officer, 24 Armoured Brigade, NA., 1977-79.

Between 1984 and 1985, he was made the Task Force Commanding Officer, 203 Armoured Battalion on the Peace-keeping Force in Chad; Director of Manning (Army), Army Headquarters, ‘A’ Branch, N.A and Director of Armoury, 1985.

He was also the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division, N.A, Jos, 1985 to 1987; mm: Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), 1985; General Officer Commanding 2nd Mechanised Division, N.A, Ibadan, 1987; promoted Major-General, 1988; Promoted Lt. General; former ECOMOG Commander; retired in 1993;

Dogonyaro attended also the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos and obtained National Institute (mni) in addition to the Staff College (Psc) and Forces Service Star (NAN)