National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olumide Olusegun, AND Taiwo Niyi |
President Bola Tinubu has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, and to the entire Nigerian Armed Forces following his passing.
A statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday confirmed that Lt. General Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
The sudden death of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has sent shockwaves across the nation. The late military leader, who passed away at the age of 56, is remembered as a distinguished officer who dedicated his life to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described the late General Lagbaja as an exceptional officer who gave his all to the nation’s security. Akpabio, who was deeply shocked by the news, recalled speaking with the President just days earlier, when Lagbaja had seemed optimistic about his return to duty.
In a heartfelt statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said:
“I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His passing, particularly at a time when the country needed his wealth of experience in combatting insecurity, is an immense loss to our nation and to the entire security sector. He was a fine, committed, and dedicated officer, who served this country with great courage and dedication, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.”
Akpabio extended his condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the military community, and the Lagbaja family, offering prayers for the departed general’s soul. He added,
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the Senate, I express my deepest sympathies to the President, the military, and the Lagbaja family. May Almighty Allah grant his wife, children, colleagues, and all who mourn him the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. May his soul rest in al-Janah Firdaus.”
Also, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, also paid tribute to the late COAS, hailing his exceptional contribution to Nigeria’s security. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Jibrin expressed deep sorrow at the loss. He said:
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. His distinguished military career, marked by courage, honor, and service, leaves an indelible mark on the history of our Armed Forces. His appointment as Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu was a testament to the trust and confidence the President had in his leadership and vision for Nigeria’s security.”
Jibrin added that General Lagbaja’s legacy of service would continue to inspire future generations of soldiers. He also offered his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Nigerian Army, and the entire Armed Forces.
Senator Abba Moro, the Minority Leader in the Senate, also expressed sorrow at the loss, describing General Lagbaja as a “gallant officer” who made immense sacrifices for Nigeria. According to Moro, the late COAS played a key role in tackling terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings, issues that have ravaged parts of the country.
Moro stated: “It is with great sadness that we mourn the untimely demise of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria. During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, we witnessed a significant push in the fight against insurgents and criminal elements threatening the peace of our nation. As the nation mourns this great loss, we hope that his successor will continue the work he started and take on the monumental task of securing our territorial integrity.”
Moro extended his condolences to Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, the family of the late General, and the President. He expressed confidence that General Lagbaja’s impactful life and service would provide solace to those grieving his death.
Nigeria Governors Forum Mourns Lagbaja
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also joined in mourning the passing of the late COAS. Chairman of the NGF, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, expressed deep sorrow at the loss. In a statement, the forum extended its condolences to President Tinubu, the Nigerian military, and the Lagbaja family, saying:
“We send our profound condolences to the President, the Nigerian military, and the Lagbaja family on the sad loss of this great patriot. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja will forever be remembered for his bravery, his dedication to a united and stronger Nigeria, and his exemplary service to the nation. May Almighty God forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal peace in al-Janah Firdaus, and provide his family with the strength to bear this loss.”
Several state governors also expressed grief over the passing of General Lagbaja. Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, called the loss “irreparable.” Soludo praised the late COAS for his distinguished service to the nation, particularly highlighting his leadership in critical security operations like Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation ZAKI.
“The death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is a huge loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole,” Governor Soludo said. He added, “His legacy of service and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.”
Similarly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called Lagbaja’s death a “colossal loss.” In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the late General as a “dutiful and committed soldier who served Nigeria with skill, gallantry, and total dedication.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also expressed his condolences, praising the late COAS as “one of the finest military officers Nigeria has produced.” He extended his sympathy to the President, the Nigerian Army, and the family, while urging everyone to take solace in General Lagbaja’s remarkable legacy.
2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi also expressed his condolences through a post on his social media account, describing the loss as painful and leaving a “big vacuum” in the military and the nation. He wrote:
“On behalf of my family and the Obidient family, I extend my deepest condolences to the Lagbaja family, the Nigerian government, and the Nigerian Army. May God grant General Lagbaja eternal rest and give us all the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, in his own statement, described General Lagbaja’s passing as a “monumental loss to the nation.” Oyebanji reflected on the late COAS’s heroic actions, particularly his leadership in combating insurgency in the Northeast and his quick response to security challenges in Ekiti State.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast for seven days in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff.
A statement from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, confirmed that the President had expressed deep regret over the passing of General Lagbaja, noting that his death was a great loss to the country.
As Nigerians mourn the death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the nation reflects on his remarkable contributions to the security of the country. His legacy of service, dedication, and bravery will continue to inspire the military and the people of Nigeria long after his passing.
