The Nigerian Army is flying its flag at half-mast to honour the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, following a brief illness.

The Army headquarters in Garki, Abuja, is visibly in mourning, with the lowered flag symbolising the deep loss felt across the military community.

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, visited the late general’s family, extending his condolences to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and other family members at the Flag Staff House in Niger Barracks, Abuja. Accompanied by high-ranking officers, Oluyede paid tribute to Lagbaja’s dedication and leadership within the Nigerian Army and recognised his numerous contributions to national security.

“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 Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal), the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lt Gen Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation. This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way querry the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed,” he wrote in the condolence register.

General Lagbaja, appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023, served as Nigeria’s 23rd COAS. Known for his excellence as an infantry officer and Special Forces commander, he was commissioned in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Combatant Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Throughout his career, Lagbaja held various command roles, including leading the 82 and 1 Divisions in Enugu and Kaduna, 9 Brigade in Ikeja, and 2 Brigade in Uyo. He also served two tours with the 72 Special Forces Battalion and, prior to his COAS appointment, was the Chief of Operations, coordinating the Nigerian Army’s strategic response to national security challenges.

During his tenure as COAS, Lagbaja prioritised combating terrorism, banditry, and other security issues plaguing Nigeria. His passing is a significant loss to the military, with his legacy of courage, dedication, and service honoured by his colleagues and remembered across the nation.