COAS Taoreed Lagbaja is dead as he passed-on on Tuesday night
With a heavy heart, the presidency announced that passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja who died in Lagos after weeks of battling illness.
In the past weeks, Lt. General’s absence at important national functions raised eyebrows and emitted concerns from various quarters of the country. With an online news medium, Sahara Reporters, reported just last month on how he Army boss was flown abroad for emergency treatment.
Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in grief and remorse, announced the demise of the Chief of Army Staff who died last night, aged fifty-six.
Lagbaja passed-on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.
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Lagbaja was born on 28th February, 1968 and was made the Chief of Army Staff on 19th June, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, the incumbent President.
Taoreed Lagabaja blistering military career started when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and on 19th September, 1992, he was commissioned as the second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
During his service at the Lieutenant General, Lagbaja exhibited exceptional leadership quality and commitment to duty while serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Lagbaja played very decisive roles in various nationwide security operations, like: Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno State, Udoka in the Southeast Nigeria and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
The late Army boss also attended prestigious United States Army War College where he obtained Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, exhibiting his commitment to professional growth and excellence in Military leadership.
President Bola Tinubu sends his deepest condolence to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces during in the face of this challenging time.
Tinubu wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace as he honours his pivotal inputs towards restoring peace and security in to the country.
The deceased Army chief is survived by wife, Mariya, and two children.
Lagbaja’s Death: Tinubu Suspends FEC meeting
President Bola Tinubu has postponed Federal executive Council meeting in honour of the Late Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, and ordered it be rescheduled.
Following the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, President Bola Tinubu has postponed the meeting of the Federal Executive Council till date yet to be announced.
The FEC meeting, which was scheduled to hold today, Wednesday, 6th November, 2024, has been suspended in honour of the late Army Chief whose demise was announced late last night in a non-expected fashion.
General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff to President Tinubu from 9th June, 2023, till the day of his death, 5th November, 2024.
In a greater honour to Lagbaja, President Tinubu has ordered Nigerian Army flags be flown across the country for seven days.
Earlier in the morning, the president already sent a heartfelt condolence to the family of the late Army Chief and to the entire Nigerian Armed Forces.
Olufemi Oluyede Promoted To Lieutenant General
In ensuring that there are no vacuums left in the administration of the Armed Forces amidst the absence of the Chief of Army Staff, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promoted Olufemi Oluyede to the rank of Lieutenant General.
This turn of event took place on Tuesday as the President honoured the active acting Chief of Army Staff by with the promotion at a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja.
The decoration and declaration were made at the office of the President as he commended the military for its unshaking courage, commitment and patriotism in restoring and protecting peace and order in the country.
In the President’s speech, “It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today,” the President stated
“This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record.”
“We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu reassures the military of cooperation amidst quest for peace and prosperity of the country.
“We are facing challenges, but progress is being made,’’ he added.
The president attributed the success and progress made in combatting terrorism, insecurity and banditry to the cooperation and synergy within the armed forces, as he urged the military bosses to maintain and cohesion in their operation for the amelioration of the country.
“The synergy among you has calmed the country, and we need that stability to continue. We need to assure all citizens that prosperity is not far from them,’’ President Tinubu noted.
Lt. General Oluyede expressed his gratitude as he reassured his commitment to upholding the vision of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, and maintaining peace and security nationwide.
Lt. General Oluyede (N/9318) was granted Regular Combatant Commission as second Lieutenant as a member of the 39 Regular Course on 9th September, 1992, followed by seniority in the same rank effective 12th September, 1987.
Oluyede had taken part in numerous military operations, like; the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation Hadin Kai in the North East among others.
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