Tinubu, NGF, others mourn death of COAS Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja
…Senate leaders, NGF, others laud his courage, commitment to national security
…He was an outstanding officer, patriot — Buhari
…Actg COAS Oluyede hails late Lagbaja as courageous, selfless leader
By Sodiq Adelakun and Ismail Azeez
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and other prominent leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness at 56 years old.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the nation, with tributes pouring in from across the country, honouring his distinguished service to the Nigerian Armed Forces and his unwavering commitment to national security.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, extended heartfelt condolences to the late army chief’s family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the entire nation.
“It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. His death is a great loss to the Nigerian Army and the country,” President Tinubu said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Mariya, their children, and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces as we mourn this significant loss.”
Lt. General Lagbaja, who was born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His illustrious military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992.
Over the course of his career, he rose through the ranks, contributing significantly to various internal security operations, including leading efforts in operations such as ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies and was known for his exemplary leadership and commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s security.
He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to General Lagbaja’s outstanding service, saying, “His contributions to the security and unity of our great nation will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has joined the nation in mourning the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024. In a statement released by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the forum extended its heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian military establishment, and the bereaved family.
“We send our profound condolences to Mr. President, the Nigerian military establishment, and the family on the sad loss of this great patriot,” the statement read. The NGF emphasised that Nigeria had lost an exceptional leader whose commitment and service to the nation would not be forgotten.
The statement continued, “Our hearts are especially with the family and the Nigerian Army at this difficult moment. We are comforted by the unforgettable memories of his unblemished services to our country. Even in death, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja stands honoured for his bravery and dedication to a greater, united Nigeria.”
The NGF also prayed for divine mercy, asking for Allah’s forgiveness for Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s shortcomings and praying that he would be admitted to al-jannah Firdaus (paradise). They expressed their sympathy to his family, asking for strength to endure this challenging period.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who had served as Chief of Army Staff since June 2023, was widely respected for his leadership and dedication to national security. His death has left a significant void in the Nigerian military, with many now looking to his successor to continue the work he started.
Also, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his deep sorrow following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
In a message shared via his official X, formerly Twitter, handle, Atiku described the passing of General Lagbaja as a great loss, particularly as the army chief was taken in the prime of his life.
Atiku extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late General and the Nigerian Army, praising his unwavering service to the nation. “May his soul find eternal peace and rest,” he added in his tribute.
In the same vein, Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound sadness over the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, hailing him as a patriot and one of Nigeria’s finest officers.
In a heartfelt statement, Buhari remembered Lagbaja as a brave and dedicated soldier who served the nation with exceptional diligence, particularly during critical internal security operations such as Operation Zaki in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
The former president extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, President Bola Tinubu, and the entire Nigerian Army, while praying for the repose of his soul and recognizing his invaluable contributions to the nation.
In a related development, The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olatubosun Oluyede, has paid tribute to his late predecessor, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, describing him as a courageous and selfless leader who was dedicated to the service of Nigeria.
In a deeply emotional statement, Oluyede expressed the sorrow felt across the military community, acknowledging Lagbaja’s professionalism and commitment to the nation.
“He gave his all to Nigeria,” said Oluyede, emphasising the loss the Nigerian Army has suffered. He also called on Nigerians to celebrate Lagbaja’s legacy, citing his invaluable contributions to the country’s security and military leadership.
Also, The death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has left a profound sense of loss across Nigeria, with prominent political and military figures mourning the passing of one of the country’s most dedicated and courageous military leaders.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressed deep shock and sadness upon hearing of the sudden demise of the late COAS, who passed away on Tuesday night after a brief illness. In his tribute, Akpabio described General Lagbaja as a “fine officer” who served with unwavering commitment to the nation’s security.
“His death, coming at a time when the country needed his wealth of experience, is a huge loss not only to the Nigerian Army but to the entire nation,” Akpabio said in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.
Akpabio extended his condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the military community, and the Lagbaja family, offering prayers for the late officer’s soul to find peace in the afterlife.
Senate Deputy President, Barau Jibrin, also joined in the tributes, praising the late COAS for his courage and dedication throughout his distinguished military career.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s life was marked by relentless devotion to Nigeria and its people. His legacy will be remembered in the annals of the Armed Forces and the hearts of all who knew him,” Jibrin said.
The Minority Leader of the Senate, Comrade Abba Moro, described General Lagbaja as a gallant officer who made significant strides in addressing the nation’s security challenges, particularly in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
“His legacy of service will continue to inspire us,” Moro remarked.
Furthermore, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described as a sad loss the untimely exit of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Lagbaja, calling his transition “a huge misfortune”
Adeleke, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, described the late General as a very hardworking officer.
The statement read, “A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian army and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We lost a rare breed, a gentleman and a true patriot to the cold hand of death.
“Our late brother has a big vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army. He launched out and commenced the implementation of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army. Within his short stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness.
“Our late brother was a very hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, a replica of the traditional army officer with an ambitious plan for modernization and integration of the Nigerian Army.
“In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria with the military as a stabiliser and unifier of the federation. In late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, the confidence and the firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army.
“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrendered to the will of the Almighty creator. I commiserate with the Commander – in- Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family.
“We mourn together on this sad occasion. On behalf of the people and Government of Osun state, we extend commiseration to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and the two children.”
