Tinubu mourns COAS, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja; Postpones FEC meeting; Directs national flag to be flown at half mast

By Salif Atojoko/Okon Okon/Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja,

Abuja, Nov. 6, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Wednesday that Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Following the demise of the Army Chief, President Tinubu, according to Onanuga, ordered the rescheduling of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting initially scheduled for today, Wednesday, till another date to be announced.

President Tinubu has also, directed that the National flag be flown at half mast for seven days in honour of the late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.

He gave the directive in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr. Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Onanuga, in his statement, recalled that Lagbaja, born on Feb. 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On Sept. 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion,” he said, quoting President Tinubu, who he pointed out, expressed his condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.

“He wishes Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” said the statement.

In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Musa, in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the late army chief as a courageous, loyal and dedicated officer.

He also conveyed his deepest condolences to the President Tinubu, family of the late Lagbaja and all Nigerians over the sad loss.

According to him, Lagbaja was a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.

“Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the AFN but also to the entire nation and humanity.

“Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape,’’ he said.

The CDS said that Lagbaja demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.

He said that late COAS made tremendous contributions to operations such as Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, as well as Lafiya Dole, Zaman Lafiya and Hadin Kai in Borno.

Other operations, according to him, include Zaki in Benue and UDOKA in the South East, amongst others.

“His contributions to these operations reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria,’’ he added.

Musa prayed for Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja and his family during this period of immense grief.

According to him, the military and the nation will deeply feel the void left by Gen. Lagbaja’s invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.

He said that Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as army chief demonstrated his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,’’ he added.

 Also, the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has expressed sadness over the death of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.

The association, in a statement signed by its President, Ismael Musa, on Wednesday in Abuja, described Lagbaja as a distinguished and revered leader whose exemplary dedication and service to Nigeria’s security and sovereignty would forever be remembered.

Musa said that Lagbaja was an embodiment of commitment, valor and unwavering patriotism, who remained steadfast in his resolve to protect and defend Nigeria, adding that his contributions would remain indelible in the records of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to him, Lagbaja’s leadership inspired countless military personnel and Nigerians alike, as he devoted his life to the course of national unity and security.

“DECAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the bereaved family, and all Nigerians mourning this profound loss.

“We stand in solidarity with our brave men and women in uniform who continue to uphold the values that Lagbaja so passionately defended.

“As Nigeria mourns this remarkable leader, DECAN remains committed to reporting and supporting the endeavors of the military as they strive to carry forward the legacy of service, courage, and dedication that defined the life of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.