The Ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has been declared dead by the Federal Government.

New Telegraph gathered that the Ambassador died on Sunday, April 19, after a protracted illness at the age of 50 years.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye.

The Ministry described the late diplomat as a dedicated officer who served the country with distinction.

“The late Ambassador, until his death, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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“Ambassador Lele, a career diplomat, was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Ambassador-designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the Nigerian Senate’s confirmation of his nomination,” the statement said.

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, and went on to serve in Nigerian missions in Berlin, Lomé and Riyadh.

“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the statement added.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who received the remains of the late diplomat at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, described him as “a hardworking, humble and fine officer, who will be sorely missed by the ministry.”

The ministry added that his death “is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Foreign Service community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Lele was buried on Wednesday in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites.

The ministry extended condolences to his family, associates, and the government and people of Bauchi State, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for those he left behind.