By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday after a brief illness.
General Musa conveyed his heartfelt condolences in a statement signed by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau on Wednesday.
The CDS described Lieutenanty General Lagbaja as a courageous, hardworking, reliable, loyal ,and dedicated service chief, whose contributions to Nigeria’s security will never be forgotten.
General Musa commiserated with the President , Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, the family of late COAS, the Nigerian Army, entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigerians, urging them to take solace that Lieutenant General Lagbaja loved a fulfilled and exemplary life.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff, which began on June 19, 2024, was marked by exemplary leadership and instrumental roles in multiple security operations across Nigeria.
He noted that Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s contributions to operations such as: Operation FOREST SANITATION in Kaduna and Niger States, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operations ZAMAN LAFIYA, and HADIN KAI in Borno state, Operation ZAKI in Benue and Operation UDOKA in the Southeast demonstrate his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.
General Musa acknowledged General Lagbaja’s sterling performance, courage, and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He said his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria but also to the entire nation and humanity.
General Musa prayed for strength and comfort for General Lagbaja’s beloved wife, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, and his family during this period of immense grief.
The CDS said, General Lagbaja’s enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.
Recall that on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, President Tinubu appointed Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting COAS pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. His appointment was followed by his subsequent decoration to the rank of Lieutenant General by the President on Tuesday, 5 November, 2024, in the state house Abuja.
