By Augustine Ehikioya
The management of Security Watch Africa (SWA) has expressed shock at the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
The mourning mood followed the announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu announced the news of Lagbaja’s passing away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
President Tinubu also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time, as he wished Lieutenant General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.
General Lagbaja, as the 23rd COAS was very passionate about his Command Philosophy, which is “to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly effective force to fulfill our constitution,”
Appointed to the position on the 19th of June, 2023, General Lagbaja was well trained in land, airborne and amphibious warfare and was very aggressive in decimating bandits, cattle rustlers, and terrorists that operated mostly in Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, and other North West States, before his appointment as COAS.
He carried on in the same stride as the 23rd COAS, making greater inroads in fighting terrorism and other form of insecurity across Nigeria.
At the helm of affairs, Lagbaja didn’t handle staff welfare with kids gloves, as he took several measures to improve the staff welfare he met on ground when he took over.
He also did a lot to boost the morale of personnel of the Nigerian Army to give their best service to the nation.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt Gen Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu.
His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt Gen Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a Platoon Commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, LAFIYA DOLE in Borno, UDO KA in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation FOREST SANITY across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt Gen Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
