Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, visited the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja on Wednesday to express condolences following the recent passing of the Nigerian Army’s 23rd COAS.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, visited the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja on Wednesday to express condolences following the recent passing of the Nigerian Army’s 23rd COAS.
General Lagbaja, who died on 5 November 2024 after a brief illness, was remembered by Oluyede as a committed leader who served Nigeria with valor and dedication.
The condolence visit took place at the Flag Staff House in Niger Barracks, Abuja, where Oluyede, joined by senior Nigerian Army officials, extended his sympathies to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and other family members. “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,” Oluyede wrote in a message in the condolence register.
He described the late COAS as “dogged, gallant, and extremely dedicated,” adding, “Lt Gen Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation.”
He added,”Lieutenant General Lagbaja, a seasoned Infantry officer, was appointed COAS on 19 June 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, officially taking command on 23 June 2023.
“His military career spanned over three decades, beginning with his commissioning in 1992 from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. Known for his leadership in combat, he held key positions, including General Officer Commanding of both the 82 Division in Enugu and 1 Division in Kaduna, and commanded various brigades and Special Forces units across Nigeria.
“As COAS, Lagbaja focused on combating terrorism, banditry, and other security threats, earning a reputation as a steadfast and effective leader in military operations nationwide. The Nigerian Army’s leadership and personnel deeply feel his loss, with Oluyede affirming, “We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed.”
