The death of Badeh, who rose to the rank of Air Chief Marshal in the Nigerian military, was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Nigerian Air Force Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola.
Here are things to know about the late Chief of Defence Staff.
Alex Sabundu Badeh was born 10 January, 1957 in Vimtim, Mubi LGA of Adamawa state.
He had his early education at Vimtim Primary School and Villanova Secondary School where he obtained his secondary school certificate.
In 1976, Badeh gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1977 as a member of the 21 Regular Course.
The late CDS was commissioned Pilot Officer on 3 July 1979 and commenced his flying career at the 301 Flying Training School on the Bulldog Primary Trainer aircraft in 1979.
He also attended the undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in the United States, US, Air Force between 1981 and 1982.
Badeh was at the 301 Flying Training School, FTS, as a squadron pilot and later became an instructor pilot on the Bull Dog and DO-228 aircraft.
The deceased, who rose through the ranks and became Air Vice Marshal in 2008, later became the 18th Chief of Air Staff in October 2012 and was appointed Chief of Defence Staff in January 2014.
The position he held until July 13, 2015, when he was retired by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Since his retirement, Badeh had faced a court trial for alleged theft of defence funds during his tenure.
Alex Badeh, Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence staff, was assassinated barely a month to his 62nd birthday anniversary.
Between 2002 and 2004, while serving as Commander of Presidential Air Fleet, PAF, under the then administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Badeh flew two former US Presidents, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter on different occasions after an extensive check was done on him by the US secret service.
During the period, Badeh as commander of the Air Fleet also flew world leaders, VIPs and top Heads of State across the world including former UN secretary general, Kofi Annan.
