Nigeria Mourns the Sudden Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja
The country is in a state of shock and grief following the untimely death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness. His demise marks a significant blow to Nigeria’s military leadership, coming less than a year after his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s death is particularly poignant, as it is the third time a Chief of Army Staff has died in office. The trend is a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by military leaders in the line of duty.
Military leaders and government officials have expressed their deepest condolences, praising Lagbaja as a dedicated and committed officer who served his country with integrity and distinction.
The Nigerian Army is expected to announce the arrangements for his burial, while condolence messages continue to pour in from citizens and dignitaries across the country.
A look back at the history of Chief of Army Staffs who died in office reveals a somber tale:
A Brief Look at the Tragic Trend
Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. Tragically, he died in a helicopter crash while returning from a visit to the frontlines.
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed in January 2021, died just months into his tenure. His aircraft crashed while he was on an official assignment from Abuja to Kaduna, killing him and 10 members of his entourage.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the latest victim of this tragic trend, was a decorated officer with a long and distinguished career in the Nigerian Army. He was commissioned in 1992 and had served in various capacities, including as a platoon commander and in several internal security operations.
A statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Lagbaja died in Lagos after a brief illness. He has been replaced by his classmate from the Defence Academy, Olufemi Oluyede, who was appointed by the acting Chief of Army Staff last Wednesday.
