The Acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed condolences to the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, who died on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, after a brief illness.
On Wednesday, 6 November, General Oluyede visited the Flag Staff House at Niger Barracks, Abuja, where he met with Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other members of the late General’s family.
His visit was announced by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, director of army public relations.
In a solemn display of respect, the Acting COAS was joined by senior officials, including Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding from various divisions of the Nigerian Army.
During the visit, General Oluyede lauded the late General Lagbaja for his “gallantry, dedication, and legacies” throughout his military career, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
Writing in the condolence register, General Oluyede expressed the deep loss felt by the Nigerian Army, saying, “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 clan 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.”
Reflecting on the late General’s dedication, he added, “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 querry the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed.”
General Lagbaja’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff, beginning on 19 June 2023 following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was marked by his relentless efforts to address security challenges in the country.
An Infantry officer known for his expertise in special operations, Lagbaja was commissioned in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
Throughout his career, he served in pivotal roles, including as General Officer Commanding the 82 and 1 Divisions in Enugu and Kaduna, respectively, as well as Commander of the 9 Brigade in Ikeja and the 2 Brigade in Uyo.
Before assuming command as COAS, General Lagbaja served as Chief of Operations (Army), where he coordinated operational activities nationwide.
His focus on counter-terrorism, anti-banditry measures, and efforts to stabilise various regions underscored his commitment to enhancing national security.
“As the then Chief of Army Staff, he worked assiduously to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges experienced across the nation,” Nwachukwu added.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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