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In this piece, SOLOMON ODENIYI delves into the unfolding controversy surrounding the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, while also highlighting the significant milestones he achieved during his brief tenure
Appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023 alongside other service chiefs, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s tenure was tragically cut short, as he passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos State.
He had served only 505 days in office when he passed away after a prolonged illness—lasting 390 days longer than his predecessor, late Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a 2021 Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft B300 King Air 350i plane crash, the cause of which remains unresolved to this day.
Before Lagbaja’s passing, the Nigerian Army high command kept his trip abroad for medical treatment under wraps. However, his absence from significant public events soon raised concerns about his health and whereabouts, prompting questions from the public.
As concerns grew, the silence from the AHQ fueled rumours, prompting the Army high command to eventually issue a statement.
The Army confirmed that the former Chief of Army Staff had been flown out of the country to seek medical attention, and denied his absence had created a vacuum.
“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away,” the Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen Onyema Nwachukwu said on October 19.
Just a day after the initial statement, news of his death began to spread rapidly, fueled by Jackson Ude, an aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Ude, in a widely circulated post on X (formerly known as Twitter), claimed that Lagbaja had passed away due to cancer.
Prior to this, rumours had been circulating that Lagbaja had resigned from his position, but the Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters dismissed these reports, categorically stating that there was no truth to the speculation.
Acting COAS drama
One unforgettable incident that arose from Lagbaja’s absence from office was the unprecedented appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff, marking the first time such a position was occupied in the history of the Nigerian military.
The Nigerian Army October 19 statement had indicated that prior to going on leave, Lagbaja had put in place protocols for Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), to act on his behalf.
However, this announcement triggered a wave of reports across the media claiming that the Defence Headquarters had formally appointed an acting COAS.
The DHQ, displeased with what it saw as inaccurate reporting, issued a swift rebuttal, emphasising that the concept of an “acting COAS” was not recognized within the Armed Forces Act.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as Acting Chief of Army Staff, contrary to speculation by certain media outlets. For the record, no such appointment exists within the AFN,” stated Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information.
Ultimately, President Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, resolved the situation by formally appointing then-Major General Oluyede as the acting COAS later in October.
However, amid concerns over potential infighting that could arise from Oluyede’s appointment, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, urged unity and warned the Army’s leadership against internal discord, reminding them of the importance of cohesion and discipline at the highest levels of command.
Brief impactful tenure
As Army Chief, Lagbaja consistently stayed close to the theatre of operations, a practice that significantly motivated frontline troops. By making frequent visits to conflict zones, he demonstrated his commitment and fostered morale among the soldiers, encouraging them through his active presence and support.
During these visits, Lagbaja was known for engaging directly with the troops, often connecting on a personal level to uplift their spirits and inspire them in their work.
For instance, on a tour in Plateau State in July 2023, he joined soldiers in performing multiple push-ups, showing solidarity and inspiring camaraderie among the ranks. These efforts went a long way in boosting the morale of the troops.
Lagbaja also prioritised the welfare of his troops, implementing key improvements that positively impacted their daily lives. He increased the Ration Cash Allowance, ensured prompt payment of medical evacuation allowances for wounded soldiers undergoing treatment both locally and internationally, and began clearing the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme payments that had accumulated since 2012.
Furthermore, in response to a viral video showing a soldier stationed in Maiduguri, Borno State, voicing frustration about the high cost of transportation preventing him from visiting his family, Lagbaja took swift action. Under his leadership, airlifting frontline troops on annual leave to their destinations across the country became more regular, evolving into his bi-monthly “Welfare Flight Initiative.” This programme has been instrumental in helping soldiers reconnect with their families, thereby addressing a significant welfare concern.
Additionally, General Lagbaja brought to life a long-envisioned goal of the Nigerian Army to have an aviation wing within the service to provide essential air support for ground operations. In September 2023, he 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 arrived in Nigeria in June 2024, with the remaining 10 attack helicopters expected to follow soon. According to Lagbaja, this strategic procurement would substantially enhance the army’s operational capacity in tackling the insecurity challenges facing the nation.
Additionally, the Nigerian Army under Lagbaja commenced an Affordable House Ownership option for all Soldiers.
Another significant project initiated under his leadership was the Smart Soldier Initiative. This program is designed to leverage cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities in combating terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors. The initiative would also help reduce the risk of soldiers on the front lines.
The implementation of this transformative project was underway when he passed on, leaving a legacy of progress in modernising military operations.
During his tenure, the Nigerian Army made significant strides in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Under his leadership, the army was credited with the elimination of over 300 terrorist commanders, while many other militants surrendered to government forces.
Moreover, the army’s efforts under Lagbaja’s command contributed substantially to the crackdown on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. These operations led to the recovery of considerable quantities of stolen crude oil and helped safeguard the country’s oil infrastructure, thereby supporting economic stability.
Life and Career of Lagbaja
Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Osogbo, where he attended St. Charles Grammar School and the Local Authority Teachers College.
In 1987, Lagbaja was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Lagbaja served as a platoon commander with the 93 Battalion, and from 1995 to 2001, he was a platoon commander for the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2001 and later pursued a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies at the U.S. Army War College.
Between 2001 and 2004, Lagbaja served as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Following this, he worked as a Grade 2 Staff Officer in charge of peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations. He was then appointed as a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, a role he held from 2006 to 2009.
Prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja held several prominent positions, including General Officer Commanding of Headquarters 82 Division from March 2021 to August 2022, and Headquarters 1 Division from August 2022 to June 2023.
Days ahead
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Oluyede, who has recently been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, is expected to be appointed as the substantive Chief of Army Staff. This potential promotion may trigger a reshuffling in key positions within the Army.
It would be surprising to see Oluyede forcing his coursemates, particularly those who hold seniority over him in rank, into early retirement to pave the way for a new leadership structure.
