The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed profound sorrow on Wednesday over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Describing him as a “fine officer,” Akpabio lauded Lagbaja’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria and recalled their recent conversation in which Lagbaja assured him of his recovery. Akpabio stated that the news of the Army Chief’s death was a “rude shock.”
In a statement released by his media aide, Jackson Udom, Akpabio expressed, “I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His death, coming at a time the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.”
Reflecting on the late COAS’s commitment to his duty, Akpabio remarked, “He was a fine, committed, and dedicated officer who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.” On behalf of his family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the Nigerian Senate, Akpabio extended his condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military community, and the Lagbaja family.
He added, “I pray that Almighty Allah grant his wife, children, colleagues, and those who knew him the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and also grant the soul of the departed gallant officer Aljanah Firdaus.”
Senate Defence Committee Chair Reflects on Lagbaja’s Leadership
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, also conveyed his grief, describing Lagbaja as a dedicated officer who would be greatly missed.
In a personal statement, Lawan wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On behalf of the Senate Committee on Defence, I extend our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the family of the deceased, and the Nigerian Army.”
Lawan commended Lagbaja’s contributions to national security, stating, “Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a dedicated and patriotic officer who served the country with distinction. His leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians will be sorely missed.”
He noted that during his tenure, Lagbaja implemented strategies that significantly enhanced the operational efficiency and morale of the Nigerian Army.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas Remembers Lagbaja’s Commitment
Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, expressed shock over the death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, whom he described as “a gallant military officer.”
He noted the late COAS’s achievements in his short tenure, which marked substantial progress in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Reflecting on Lagbaja’s early days as COAS, Abbas recalled his efforts to boost morale among soldiers, particularly those stationed in the North-East and North-West regions.
“His dogged spirit and determination to make the country safe for all were evident in his visits to troops on the frontlines,” Abbas remarked.
National Leaders Laud Lagbaja’s Military Career and Legacy
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who died at the age of 56, began his distinguished military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, later earning a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His dedication to national security was evident in various roles, including as a commander in numerous operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
Nigeria Governors’ Forum Expresses Condolences
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, joined in mourning Lagbaja’s passing.
Abdulrazaq described the death as “a sad loss of a great patriot,” adding, “Our hearts are especially with the family and the Nigerian Army at this difficult moment. Even in death, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja stands honoured for his bravery and dedication to a united Nigeria.”
Tributes from Osun State Leaders
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also expressed deep sorrow, calling Lagbaja’s death a significant loss for the state, the Nigerian Army, and the country.
In a statement, he reflected on Lagbaja’s vision for the Army, noting that the late COAS “launched and commenced the implementation of root-and-branch reforms aimed at enforcing professionalism and bolstering military operations.”
Omooba Dotun Babayemi, a prominent APC member in Osun, echoed this sentiment, describing Lagbaja as a “true patriot” whose legacy of courage and commitment to Nigeria’s security will not be forgotten.
Babayemi urged the military to uphold Lagbaja’s legacy by “striving for the unity, peace, and progress he devoted his life to.”
Former President Buhari Honors Lagbaja’s Bravery
Former President Muhammadu Buhari paid tribute to Lagbaja, describing him as one of Nigeria’s “bravest officers.” He praised the late COAS for his exceptional service and devotion to the nation, particularly in operations aimed at restoring peace in troubled regions.
“He left his indelible footprints as a professional soldier and inspiring commander,” Buhari said, while extending condolences to the Lagbaja family, President Tinubu, and the nation.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. National leaders continue to mourn his passing and honor his contributions to Nigeria’s security and unity.
