with agency reports
The news of the sudden demise of the Chief of Army Staff came to Nigerians as a rude shock particularly when most people were praying for the survival of the late army officer, who had been incapacitated due to hill health.
Since the news of his passing becomes public knowledge Nigerians have been thrown into a state of mourning while many prominent citizens have registered their condolences as well.
Concerned Nigerians were saddened because the brilliant army chief could not see through his vision to end the onslaught of terrorist groups in the country before the cold hand of death snatched him away.
In a message of consolation, President Bola Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family late Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja and the Nigerian Armed Forces over the death of the army chief.
Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said he regretted to announce the passing of General Lagbaja, at age 56.
A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday explained that the COAS passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a master’s degree in strategic studies demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement added.
•Also, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has described the late Lagbaja, as a fine officer, who gave his all for the territorial security and unity of the country.
Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom, said he received the news of the death of the late military chief, who died at the age of 56, with shock, a few days after he had spoken with the President and was upbeat about his return to office.
The statement read, “I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock.
“His death, coming at a time the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.
“He was a fine, committed and dedicated officer, who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “I commiserate with the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military community, the larger Lagbaja family on this great loss.
“ I pray that Almighty Allah, grant his wife, children, colleagues and those who knew him, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and also grant the soul of the departed gallant officer Aljanah firdaus.”
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, joined his counterpart to mourn the late army officer.
In a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau extolled the virtues of the late Army Chief, saying he contributed immensely to the overall security sector of the country.
He said, “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died last night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“ Lt. General Lagbaja served with honour, courage and dedication throughout his distinguished military career.
“His appointment as Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, reflected his confidence in his leadership, vision and commitment to the security of our nation.
“Lt. General Lagbaja’s life was marked by a relentless devotion to Nigeria and its people.
“His legacy will be remembered not only in the annals of our Armed Forces but in the hearts of all who knew and respected his work.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu has also commiserated with the Nigerian Armed Forces over the passing of Lagbaja.
Kalu described the deceased as a gallant and patriotic officer and noted that he demonstrated a high level of professionalism in various capacities in the Nigerian army.
Kalu conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Osun State while praying to God to comfort the deceased’s wife and children.
Part of the statement by the former governor read, “I received with sadness the news of the demise of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abiodun Lagbaja.
“The late General Lagbaja served the country meritoriously in various positions in the Armed Forces.
“He was known for his patriotism, doggedness, professionalism and integrity.
“The deceased left behind a good legacy for his family and loved ones to uphold”.
Kalu prayed to Allah to make al- Jannah Firdaus the final abode for the late General Lagbaja.”
•The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, cancelled all non-essential personal and social engagements for the next two days in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
In a statement yesterday, Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that Lagbaja was known for his tireless efforts in combating insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism.
“His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General’s gesture reflects the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja’s remarkable service,” the statement read.
The IGP also commiserated with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time.
According to the police chief, Lagbaja’s legacy and commitment to Nigeria’s security will never be forgotten.
•Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Army has also mourned the death of the army chief, describing Lagbaja as one of the finest officers in the military.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yara’dua, in a statement said the late army chief “left an indelible mark” with his “unwavering dedication to the Nigerian Army and his country.”
“His exceptional leadership and vision significantly shaped the army’s operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate troops to carry on his exemplary work,” the statement read.
“We all acknowledge General Lagbaja’s profound impact on the army’s development. His initiatives demonstrated a steadfast commitment to training, capacity building, and troops welfare. The Nigerian Army has lost a true leader and passionate advocate for its growth.
“To the officers, soldiers, and families of the Nigerian Army, we offer our sincerest sympathies. May you find strength and comfort in knowing General Lagbaja’s contributions will never be forgotten. His memory will continue to inspire and motivate us all.”
•Lagos State Governor and the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, equally mourned the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Lagbaja, describing his death as a colossal loss to Nigeria.
The Governor also commiserated with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, Security Chiefs, the Nigerian Army and the entire Nigerians over the death of the Chief of Army Staff.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Lagbaja, as a dutiful and committed soldier who served Nigeria passionately.
The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, who also sympathised with the immediate family, friends and associates of the late 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
The Governor praised the late Lt. General Lagbaja’s contributions in Nigeria’s efforts to end the war against insurgency and banditry, noting that the country would miss the rich experience and knowledge of the deceased soldier.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the people, and the government of Lagos State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army on the death of the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. I also sympathise with families, friends, and associates of the deceased.
“I am saddened by the death of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. His death was a painful loss to Nigeria. He was a dutiful and committed soldier who served Nigeria passionately with dedication, skill, gallantry, and total commitment. He employed his long years of experience and expertise in the service of our fatherland.
“The late Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja will be sorely missed by the Nigerian Army, especially at this period when the country is intensifying the fight against insurgency and other criminal elements in different parts of the country.
“I pray that God would grant Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja eternal rest and grant the Nigerian army and the entire security chiefs, as well as the families, associates, and colleagues of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.
