…Flags at half-mast; First Lady visits widow
….A Patriot Who Served With Utmost Diligence – Buhari
…a huge loss to Nigeria — Soludo, Obi
…President Tinubu postpones FEC meeting in honour of COAS
President Bola Tinubu, for President Mohammad Buhari, Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio and other eminent Nigerians have expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, after a brief illness.
The late COAS died at the age of 56 years.
In a Wednesday statement through the Director, Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the President has directed that National Flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army Chief.
He appreciated profoundly the services of the departed to the nation and wished the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Tinubu had earlier announced the passing of the Chief of Army Staff.
Buhari: Lagbaja’s A Patriot Who Served With Utmost Diligence
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has described the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja as a patriot who served the country with utmost diligence.
In a press release issued by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari expressed sadness over the death of the army chief saying that he was deeply shocked by the news of his death, adding that the nation had lost one of its finest soldiers.
“When I was the Commander-in-Chief, Lagbaja, as one of the commanders of the army, caught my attention as one of the bravest officers who served the nation with utmost devotion.
“In the various frontlines of 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, General Lagbaja left no one in doubt about his military capabilities.
He left his indelible footprints as a professional soldier and inspiring commander wherever he served.
I pray to the Almighty to repose his soul and reward his courageous services to the Nigerian Army and the nation.”
The former President extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, President Bola Tinubu, the government and the entire people of the country.
Akpabio, Lawan, Moro, Other Senators Mourn Lagbaja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, mourned the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, describing him as rare gem and a fine officer, who gave his all for the territorial security and unity of the country.
Akpabio said he received the news of the death of the late military chief with shock, describing him as a General who always led his troops from the front in all combat situations.
A statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, “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 GCFR the military community, the larger Lagbaja family and the Nation on this great loss.
“I pray that Almighty God grant his wife, children, colleagues and those who knew him, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May God almighty grant the soul of the departed gallant officer eternal rest, amen.
Also, the immediate past Predident of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, in a condolence message, lamented the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
He wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Defence, I extend our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa; the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a dedicated and patriotic officer who served the country with distinction. As Chief of Army Staff, he played a significant role in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges confronting our nation.
“His leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians will be sorely missed.
“During his tenure, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja initiated and implemented several innovative strategies that significantly improved the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
“He was instrumental in enhancing the welfare and morale of troops, ensuring that they were adequately equipped and trained to effectively discharge their duties.
“The death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is a great loss to the nation. His experience, resolve and patriotism that characterized his illustrious career will be deeply missed.
“The Senate Committee on Defence is committed to honoring the memory of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja by ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable and effective force capable of safeguarding our nation.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Similarly, the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, on behalf of the Senate Minority Caucus, mourned Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Senator Moro described the late COAS as a gallant and successful officer who gave his all to the country and died in active service.
The Senate Minority Leader said Gen. Lagbaja’s time as Chief of Army Staff saw a great push against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping that are plaguing the country.
He said, as the nation mourned the untimely demise of the gallant officer, he hoped that his successor would fit perfectly into the shoes left behind and frontally tackle the security challenges confronting the country and continue to protect her territorial integrity, to achieve the late General’s dreams of a secured and peaceful nation.
Senator Moro extended his condolences to the wife of the deceased, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, the entire family, the President and Commander-In-Chief of armed forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army.
He charges them to be consoled with the knowledge that the late General lived an impactful life and has gone to rest with his creator.
In a related development, the Senate Committee on Army, expressed deep sadness about the untimely demise of Lagbaja, through a statement by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yara’dua, Chairman, Senate Committee on Army.
The statement reads: “Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian Army during this difficult time.
“General Lagbaja’s unwavering dedication to the Nigerian Army and his country has left an indelible mark. His career from the day he joined the army epitomized courage and patriotism.
“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.
“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.
“Once again accept our deepest condolences
Lagbaja’s death, a huge loss to Nigeria — Soludo, Obi
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, who died on Tuesday at age 56.
Similarly, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), extended his condolences to the Lagbaja family, the government of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army. In a message shared on his X Platform, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, Obi described the death as a painful loss for both the family and the nation.
In his condolence message, Governor Soludo extended his deepest sympathies to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and the family of the late General Lagbaja, calling the loss irreparable. His message was conveyed in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Wednesday.
Soludo remarked that General Lagbaja’s passing at the age of 56 is a great loss to both the Nigerian Army and the nation at large. The statement reads, “Governor Soludo reiterated that General Lagbaja’s distinguished military career, marked by exceptional service and dedication to our nation’s security, reflects his uncompromising commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.”
The governor further highlighted General Lagbaja’s exemplary career, noting his prestigious background as an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College and his service in key roles such as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He praised the late General’s leadership in critical security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, as well as Operations Lafiya Dole, Udoka, and Forest Sanity, all of which demonstrated his tactical expertise and steadfast dedication to Nigeria’s peace and stability.
Soludo prayed that God grants the late General’s soul eternal rest and comforts his family during this time of great loss.
Peter Obi also paid tribute, stating, “I have just read the official announcement of the unfortunate death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. On behalf of my family and the Obidient family, I sincerely condole with the Lagbaja family, the Government of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army over this painful loss, which has indeed created a significant void in his family and our dear nation.”
Obi concluded, “May God Almighty, who has called him home at this time, forgive his sins, grant him eternal rest, and give his family, the Nigerian military, the government, and all of us the strength to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss. May God protect and bless his family always.”
President Tinubu postpones Federal Executive Council meeting in honour of COAS
President Bola Tinubu has directed that the Federal Executive Council meeting be postponed to another date which will be announced in due time.
This was made known in a statement signed by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.
The meeting which was initially scheduled for today was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.
The statement reads, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, has rescheduled the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced.
“Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment to the position by President Tinubu in June 2023.
His 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.
Lt. General Lagbaja also served 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.
