Acting COAS, Service Chiefs, Others Extend Condolences to Late Lt General Lagbaja’s Family [PHOTOS]
By ‘Sola Akingboye, 8 November 2024
The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has visited Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other family members of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who served as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff and passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a brief illness.
General Oluyede was accompanied during the visit at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks in Abuja, by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement from Army Spokesman Maj. Gen. Onyeama Nwachukwu, General Oluyede praised the courage, dedication, and legacy of the late COAS’s years of service in both the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria as a whole.
In a heartfelt message written in the condolence register opened in honour of the late COAS, the Acting COAS stated, “It is with a profound sense of loss, yet a sense of responsibility, that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, extend my condolences to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, her children, and the entire Lagbaja family over the passing of our dogged, gallant, and extremely dedicated leader, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal), the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja undoubtedly gave his all to the service of our nation. This is evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We can take comfort in knowing that we cannot question the Almighty. We surely owe him a great deal. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will be greatly missed.”
Recalled earlier in a statement by the Presidency, General Lagbaja had a remarkable career marked by dedication, valour, and a commitment to national security. Born on February 28, 1968, he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992, a proud member of the 39th Regular Course.
“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.
The Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was on 19 June 2023 appointed Chief of Army Staff by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and fully assumed command of the Nigerian Army as the 23rd COAS on 23 June 2023.
