Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, has been shot dead by gunmen.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, confirmed this to Channels Television on Tuesday night.

According to him, the former Defence Chief died from gunshot wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked while he was returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road.

The Air Force spokesperson also confirmed the incident in a series of tweets.

He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce the unfortunate demise of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who died today, 18 Dec 18, from gunshot wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road.”

“On behalf officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, commiserates with the family of the late former Chief of Defence Staff over this irreparable loss. We pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest.”

Badeh was born on January 10, 1957, in Vimtim, a small town in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

He had his early education at Vimtim Primary School and Villanova Secondary School.

Thereafter, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1977 as a member of the 21 Regular Course.

He commenced his flying career at the 301 Flying Training School on the Bulldog Primary Trainer aircraft in 1979.

Between 1981 and 1982 he attended the Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base of the United States Air Force.

During the Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency, Badeh was Commander of the Presidential Fleet which flew around the world frequently.

By 2002, he had logged over 6000 flying hours shuttling VIPs, dignitaries, top government officials and Heads of State.

He rose through the ranks to become Air Vice Marshal in 2008.

Thereafter, he became the 18th Chief of Air Staff in October 2012 and was appointed Chief of Defence Staff in January 2014, up until July 13, 2015, when he retired.

In 2016, the deceased was accused of financial misappropriation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during his tenure as service chief.

He, however, denied the allegations.