Lagbaja Courageous, Loyal, Dedicated Service Chief, CDS Pays Tribute To Late COAS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has expresses sorrow over the demise of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Army chief died on Tuesday after a brief illness at the age of 56.

General Musa in a condolence message signed by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, described Lagbaja as a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.

The Defence Chief also condoled with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu and the family of late General Lagbaja as well as all Nigerians over the sad loss.

According to the CDS, Lagbaja’s death was a great loss, not only to his family, the Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, but also to the entire nation and humanity.

“Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and the national defence security landscape,” he said.

Lagbaja was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, where he demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.

The statement said his contributions to operations such as FOREST SANITATION in Kaduna and Niger States, LAFIYA DOLE, ZAMAN LAFIYA and HADIN KAI in Borno, ZAKI in Benue, and UDOKA in the South-East, amongst others, reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.

He therefore prayed the Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja and his family during this period of immense grief.

The Defence Chief emphasised that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation will deeply feel the void left by General Lagbaja’s invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.

Recalling General Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as Chief of Army Staff, General Musa acknowledged his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He added that the late Army Chief’s enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.