The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a brief illness.
The visit took place at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks, Abuja, with Gen Oluyede accompanied by senior military officials, including Principal Staff Officers of Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding in the Nigerian Army.
During the visit, Gen Oluyede paid tribute to the late Lt Gen Lagbaja, praising his gallantry, dedication, and the enduring legacy he left in the Nigerian Army and the broader Armed Forces.
In a heartfelt note in the condolence register, Gen Oluyede wrote, “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, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Lt Gen Lagbaja, without a doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation… Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed.”
Lt Gen Lagbaja was appointed as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, and officially assumed command on June 23, 2023. Known as a seasoned infantry officer, he began his career in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.
Over his distinguished career, he served as General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division in Enugu and the 1 Division in Kaduna, among other key military commands, including the 9 Brigade in Ikeja, the 2 Brigade in Uyo, and two tours with the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Before his appointment as COAS, he was Chief of Operations (Army), overseeing the operational activities of the Nigerian Army.
During his tenure, Lt Gen Lagbaja was recognized for his efforts in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity across the nation.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, expressed that Lt Gen Lagbaja’s legacy would continue to inspire the Nigerian Army and that his contributions to the security of the nation would not be forgotten.
LV