Shakeup looms in Nigerian Army, top generals to be affected
the late Lagbaja and urged Nigerians to continue to pray for him.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 elections, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, on his X handle, condoled with the entire Lagbaja family, the government of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army over the “painful loss”, which, he said, “has indeed created a big vacuum in his family and our dear nation.”
Shortly after official announcement of his demise, highly-placed stakeholders in the society including the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu visited the Niger Barracks residence of the late army chief to condole with the deceased’s wife.
The first lady who was accompanied on the visit by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima and the wife of the National Security Adviser was received by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Oghogho Musa.
In statement issued by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, the late army chief was described as a courageous, loyal and dedicated officer.
The statement signed on his behalf by the Director Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier-General, the Defence Chief expressed sorrow over the passing of the top military officer.
He said that Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as army chief demonstrated his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Oluyede, while addressing State House reporters, hailed the late Lagbaja for his contribution in tackling the security challenges in the country. The acting chief, who said the whole army was in a sorrowful mood, stated that the deceased was a selfless leader who gave his all for Nigeria.
National flags to fly at half-mast for 7 days
Meanwhile, the president has directed that the national flag must be flown half-mast for seven days as a sign of honour for the departed soul.
In a statement signed on his behalf by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of Secretary to the of the Federation (OSGF), Senator George Akume, said the president gave the directive.
“The president has directed that National Flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army Chief,” Akume said.
He said that President Tinubu appreciated the services of the departed to the nation and wished the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Who was Lieutenant-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja?
The late top military general was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State.
Late Lagbaja, before his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by the President, Bola Tinubu, he had distinguished himself with his bravery during his stint in the Nigerian military.
Specifically, his distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
On September 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, Late Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operations ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria as well as Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
The brave top military officer was an alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
Lagbaja, who was survived by his beloved wife, Mariya and their two children, demonstrated his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership. (Daily Trust, excluding headline)
