By Victor Akaa.
The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on November 5, 2024, after a brief illness.
General Oluyede visited Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other family members at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks Abuja, on Wednesday.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations in a statement said, the Acting COAS was accompanied on the condolence visit by top army officials.
During the visit, he praised General Lagbaja’s exceptional bravery, unwavering dedication, and enduring legacy in the Nigerian Army and Armed Forces.
In a poignant message, General Oluyede honoured General Lagbaja’s remarkable service, the Acting COAS commiserated with the family 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 Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal), the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lieutenant General Lagbaja without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation.”
He added that the late COAS’ sterling performance and commitment were evident in his dedication and enduring legacies; hence, he cannot question God. The Acting COAS prayed to God for the repose of his soul to eternal rest.
General Lagbaja’s distinguished military career spanned decades, marked by his appointment as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 ¹. He was commissioned in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. General Lagbaja served as General Officer Commanding 82 and 1 Divisions, commanded 9 Brigade Ikeja and 2 Brigade Uyo, and led 72 Special Forces Battalion on two separate tours of duty.
As Chief of Operations (Army), General Lagbaja coordinated operational activities, working tirelessly to defeat terrorism, banditry, and security challenges across Nigeria.
His leadership and legacy will be deeply missed, Enugu Reporters noted.
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