The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, who passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a brief illness.
Accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding (GOCs) of the Nigerian Army, General Oluyede visited Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and other members of the Lagbaja family at the Flag Staff House in Niger Barracks, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
In his tribute, General Oluyede praised the late COAS for his extraordinary dedication, gallantry, and the profound impact of his service on the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces.
He expressed deep sorrow at the passing of General Lagbaja, calling his leadership an embodiment of commitment and resilience in the service of the nation.
Writing in the condolence register, General Oluyede shared his heartfelt sympathy, stating: “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility, that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, commiserate with Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, the 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. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation. This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot, in any way, query the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed.”
General Lagbaja, appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, and formally assuming command on June 23, 2023, was a distinguished Infantry officer with a career spanning over three decades. He was a member of the 39th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, commissioned in 1992. Known for his exemplary leadership, Lagbaja served in various key appointments, including General Officer Commanding of the 82 and 1 Divisions of the Nigerian Army, as well as commanding several brigades, including the 9 Brigade in Ikeja, 2 Brigade in Uyo, and 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Before becoming the Chief of Army Staff, he was the Chief of Operations (Army), overseeing the operational activities of the Nigerian Army. During his tenure as COAS, General Lagbaja worked relentlessly to address national security challenges, including terrorism and banditry, leaving a lasting impact on the Armed Forces.
His death has left a significant void in the military and national security landscape, and he will be remembered for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice. General Lagbaja’s legacy of service to the country remains an inspiration to both the military and the Nigerian populace.