Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended his condolences to the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, following his death on Tuesday, November 4, 2024, after a brief illness.
On Wednesday, Oluyede visited Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and other family members at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks, Abuja, where he was accompanied by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding (GOCs) of the Nigerian Army.
While paying tribute to the late COAS, Oluyede hailed his gallantry, dedication, and the lasting legacies he left throughout his service years in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. “Lt. Gen. Lagbaja gave his all to the service of our dear nation,” Oluyede said, reflecting on his immense contributions.
In a heartfelt message written in the condolence register, the Acting COAS expressed deep sorrow, stating, “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.” He added, “We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way query the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed.”
