Retired Nigerian Army General who was Military Head of State from 9 June 1998 until 29 May 1999 who succeeded Sani Abacha. Led Nigeria’s contingent in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and eventually rose to the position of Chief of Defence Staff. Abubakar was one of the few generals in the Nigerian army who rose to the top without holding political office. He has held only command and military positions, and has, in general, stayed out of the political limelight. It was during his leadership that Nigeria adopted its new constitution in May 1999. Abubakar transferred power to president-elect Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999. He is retired and still lives in Nigeria.