Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja (1968-2024)

The death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja, on November 5, 2024, tragically drew the curtain over the life of a patriot who was committed to the decimation of forces militating against the peace of his country.

information about Lagbaja’s condition of health was shrouded in secrecy, prompting public uproar on his whereabouts.

Prior to his untimely demise, the public’s concern over Lagbaja’s health was met with a veil of secrecy. This shroud of mystery sparked widespread outrage and heightened speculation about his whereabouts.

Worried by media reports, described as ‘fake news’ by presidential media minders, the initial but disturbing silence from the army authorities only added fuel to the raging fire of his rumoured death.

To douse the tension on the matter, the army high command on October 19, 2024, released a statement in which it categorically declared that the army boss had gone on a medical leave, and that the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major-General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, was standing in for Lagbaja.

The media report that Major-General Ibrahim was already acting as the COAS received a swift rebuttal from the military high command.

The Defence Headquarters, in a statement signed by Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, declared that the position of “acting COAS” was strange and not recognised within the Armed Forces Act.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 30, 2024, had appointed Major-General Femi Oluyede as the acting COAS. He would later be promoted to the new COAS on November 6, less than 24 hours after Lagbaja’s demise.

The era of Lagbaja as the army boss was demonstrated in efficiency made possible through constant visits to officers and men in the frontline against terror.

Lagbaja did not only identify with soldiers in various theatres of operation; he also participated in drills and push-ups to boost the morale of the troops.

Few days after his appointment as COAS, the then new army chief was in Plateau state where he called on troops never to let down the gauntlet in the war against terrorism.

The late COAS never took lightly the welfare of his troops, but was firmly engaged in increasing their Ration Cash Allowance, including prompt payment of medical evacuation allowances for injured soldiers.

Worried by frustration of his troops stationed in Maiduguri, Borno state, over the high cost of transportation that had made it impossible for them to visit their families, Lagbaja commenced the airlifting of frontline troops on annual leave to reconnect with their families.

He would later incorporate the “Welfare Flight Initiative” as part of his welfare programmes to lighten the burden of transport cost for soldiers.

The army, under Lagbaja, successfully created an aviation wing to provide essential air support for ground troops’ operations.

Less than four months after his appointment, Lagbaja announced that the federal government had approved the acquisition of 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters to strengthen the army’s capabilities.

Two Bell UH-1H helicopters were delivered in June 2024, with the remaining 10 attack helicopters expected to follow soon in a bid to ramp up the army’s operational capacity in confronting insecurity.

The ‘Affordable House Ownership’ for soldiers was given a boost under Lagbaja who deployed the ‘Smart Soldier Initiative’ programme that was primarily focused on taking the advantage of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the operational capabilities of the army.

Apart from weakening the capacity of terror gangs to unleash terror attacks on Nigerians, the army under Lagbaja contributed in no small measure in reducing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the oil-producing states.

Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun local government area of Osun state, Nigeria, Lagbaja had his early education in Osogbo.

He proceeded to St. Charles Grammar School and the Local Authority Teachers’ College for his post-primary education. He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

The late army chief served as platoon commander of 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion between 1992 and 2001. After obtaining a degree in geography from the NDA in 2001, he proceeded to pursue a Master’s degree in strategic studies in the U.S. Army War College.

Between 2009 and 2016, Lagbaja served as deputy chief of staff G1 at Headquarters 81 Division; Commanding Officer at 72 Special Forces Battalion Makurdi from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 to 2016; and director of operations at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations from January to December 2018, among other positions.

Lagbaja also participated in many military operations, including Operation Harmony IV in the Bakassi Peninsula; United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC); among others.

As the remains of Lagbaja are interred in the Abuja Military Cemetery today, we mourn the passing of an excellent military commander who was committed to the peace of Nigeria.