The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday following a brief illness.
In a statement on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), General Musa extended his deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the family of the late General Lagbaja, and all Nigerians, emphasizing that the nation has lost a dedicated and loyal service chief whose contributions to national security were invaluable.
General Musa praised Lieutenant General Lagbaja as a “courageous, hard-working, and reliable” leader, whose commitment to the nation’s security remained unwavering.
“Appointed as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, General Lagbaja made significant contributions to the Nigerian Army and national defense. His leadership saw the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and his active involvement in critical security operations across the country, including FOREST SANITATION, LAFIYA DOLE, and HADIN KAI, aimed at bolstering peace and security in key regions,” the Gen. Musa noted.
The CDS also extended his sympathies to Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, the late general’s widow, and his family, praying for strength and comfort for them in this period of loss.
Describing General Lagbaja’s tenure as one marked by resilience and exceptional service, General Musa affirmed that his legacy would be remembered as a lasting contribution to the nation’s security landscape and the AFN.