Tinubu, govs, CDS, others mourn Lagbaja

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country, to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late army chief, appointed by Tinubu on June 19, 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The President’s directive was conveyed through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, titled “Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”

It read, “President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.

“He wishes Lt General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

Following the announcement, the President rescheduled the Federal Executive Council meeting to a later date.

Announcing the postponement of the FEC meeting, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, told State House correspondents that a new date would be announced for the next meeting.

Idris said, “Today‘s Federal Executive Council meeting has been postponed. This is to mark the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja. The nation is in mourning.

“The President and the entire government are in mourning. He was a very resourceful officer who did his best to fight insurgency in this country, and for his many achievements, he succeeded while serving this great nation.

“As a mark of respect, Mr President has directed that today‘s FEC meeting be postponed, and a new date will be announced in due course.”

In another statement, Onanuga said, “Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.”

After announcing the postponement at the Council Chamber, Vice President Kashim Shettima led other council members to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the departed army Chief.

Shettima also announced that ministers would proceed to Tinubu’s official residence to pay him a condolence visit.

“This is a loss not only to the President or the immediate family but also to the nation. Let’s do so as a family as this is a proper thing to do. The Chief of Staff to the President [Femi Gbajabiamila] will congregate all of you to the residence,” he said.

Although Shettima later announced that two ministers representing each geopolitical zone would visit the President, The PUNCH gathered that all ministers were later asked to proceed with their daily engagements while the VP visited Tinubu.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in another statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the President expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56 years.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed army chief.

“He appreciates profoundly the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawelle, commiserated with the President, military and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the army and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence as our working relationship with him is commendable. He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described Lt Gen Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to the country, military and his family.

Musa said Lagbaja was courageous, hardworking, reliable, loyal and a dedicated service chief.

The CDS in a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, added that Lagbaja was committed to the security and well-being of the nation.

He said, “The CDS on behalf of the AFN, expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, yesterday, Tuesday, after a brief illness.

“General Musa conveys his deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, family of the late General Lagbaja and all Nigerians over this sad loss.

“He is described 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.

“Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the AFN but also to the entire nation and humanity.”

He commended Lagbaja for establishing the Nigerian Army Aviation wing, among others.

The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, expressed deep sadness over his predecessor’s demise.

Oluyede, who was scheduled to see the President, spoke to journalists at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa, urging Nigerians to celebrate Lagbaja’s life of service.

He said, “I want to urge citizens, for someone that has given his all for Nigeria, we need to celebrate him. So, I want Nigerians to celebrate him for his good work.

“The country as a whole, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us today. But we all belong to God, and He takes when He feels it necessary for him to do so.

“So it’s on a very sober note that I am talking this moment because the entire Nigeria Army is in a sorrowful mood because we have lost our leader, Lt Gen Lagbaja. He was someone who gave his all to Nigeria.”

Oluyede described Lagbaja as a dedicated and selfless leader who was deeply committed to Nigeria and served as an exemplary figure within the Nigerian Army.

He said the ex-Army Chief was known for his courage, professionalism and attention to detail, which set a standard for others to follow.

He added that Lagbaja’s passing was a significant loss, and those who knew him prayed for his peaceful rest in the afterlife.

Speaking during a condolence visit to Lagbaja’s wife, Mariya, at the Flagstaff House, Niger Barracks, Abuja, the acting COAS, who was accompanied by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding the Nigerian Army, said the Army owed Lagbaja a lot.

The acting Army Chief also thanked the President and the First Lady who maintained close contact with the Army leadership during this time.

Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, paid a condolence visit to his family.

The First Lady, who was accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima and the wife of the National Security Adviser, Hajiya Ribadu, was received by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Oghogho Musa.

While comforting the wife, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and the children, Mrs Tinubu noted that only the Lord could determine when a man would die.

She urged them to be comforted by the good life and legacies he left behind. She urged the children to remain focused and pursue the ideals their father lived for.

In a statement she signed earlier on Wednesday, Mrs Tinubu mourned the passing of the ex-Army Chief, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the sad news of the demise of the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja.

“Throughout his career, the late Chief of Army Staff exemplified valour, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to the service of our dear country.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, children, family, friends, colleagues and associates.

“May Almighty God comfort and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari expressed sadness over the death of Lt Gen Lagbaja, describing him as a patriot and an outstanding officer who served the nation with utmost diligence.

In a statement following the official announcement, the former president said he was deeply shocked by the news of death, adding that the nation had lost one of its finest soldiers.

“When I was the Commander-in-Chief, Lagbaja, as one of the commanders of the army, caught my attention as one of the bravest officers who served the nation with utmost devotion.

“In the various frontlines of internal security operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger states, General Lagbaja left no one in doubt about his military capabilities.

“He left his indelible footprints as a professional soldier and inspiring commander wherever he served.

“I pray to the Almighty to repose his soul and reward his courageous services to the Nigerian Army and the nation.”

The former president extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, President Tinubu, and the government and the entire people of the country.

Akpabio, Abbas mourn

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described the late Lt Gen Lagbaja as a fine officer who gave his all for the territorial security and unity of the country.

Akpabio, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Jackson Udom, said he received the news of the death of the late military chief with shock, a few days after he had spoken with the President and was upbeat about his return to office.

“I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His death, coming at a time when the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.

“He was a fine, committed, and dedicated officer, who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.”

The House of Representative also expressed sorrow over the passing of Lt Gen Lagbaja.

In a statement of condolence issued on Wednesday by the Spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi, the Green Chamber extended its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, President Tinubu, the Defence Headquarters, and the people, and government of Osun State.

“Lt Gen Lagbaja will be remembered for his unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the service of our great nation.

“Notably, his participation in the inaugural edition of the House’s sectoral debate on security in November 2023 demonstrated his deep commitment to addressing the challenges facing the army and ensuring its successes under his leadership,” the statement read.

The statement quoted the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, as expressing shock at the demise of the army chief, describing it as a monumental loss to both the Armed Forces and the entire country.

Abbas highlighted his dogged spirit and determination in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and making the country safer for all.

Governors too

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in a statement signed by its chairman and the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, issued in Ilorin, on Wednesday, condoled with the Federal Government, the military and the family of the late Lt Gen Lagbaja.

“Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) joins President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the rest of the country to mourn the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

“We send our profound condolences to Mr President, the Nigerian military establishment and the family on the sad loss of this great patriot.

“Our hearts are especially with the family and the Nigerian Army at this difficult moment.

“We are comforted by the unforgettable memories of his unblemished services to our country. Even in death, Lt Gen Lagbaja stands honoured for his bravery and dedication to a greater, united Nigeria,” the statement read.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Wednesday, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the President over the demise of Lt Gen Lagbaja.

In a press statement signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs of the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, the governors described the late COAS as a distinguished officer who served the nation with remarkable courage and dedication.

Yahaya, on behalf of the forum, sent his deepest sympathies to the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Oluyede and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who lost a remarkable leader, colleague, and patriot.

Individually, the governors also mourned the deceased army chief, describing his passage as a huge loss.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Oododo, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the departure of the gallant and brave army chief was particularly sad at a time the fight against insecurity in Nigeria had gathered momentum.

“The late Lt Gen Lagbaja was a fearless General, an indomitable fighter, a tactical genius and an uncompromising warrior who was determined to stamp out terrorism and banditry from Nigeria,” the statement read.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in a press statement he personally signed, condoled the President, the Lagbaja family of Ilobu community, and Osun State on the untimely death of the army chief.

The governor, who noted Lagbaja as a hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, and a replica of the traditional army officer, said the deceased had an ambitious plan for the modernisation and integration of the Nigerian Army.

“A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian Army and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We lost a rare breed, a gentleman and a true patriot to the cold hand of death.

“Our late brother has a big vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army. He launched and commenced the implementation of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army.

“Within his short stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness,” Adeleke said.

Recalling his last encounter with the deceased, Adeleke said during the meeting the deceased exuded hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria with the military as a stabiliser and unifier of the federation.

“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrendered to the will of the Almighty Creator. I commiserate with the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family.”

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the death of Lt Gend Lagbaja as a significant loss to the country.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, Makinde described Lagbaja as “a patriot and one of the finest military officers the country has produced.”

“My condolences go to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, and to the Nigerian Army.

“I also commiserate with the immediate family of the late Chief of Army Staff, as well as the government and people of Osun State on the passing of their illustrious son. I pray to Allah to grant his soul eternal rest.”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Kayode Akinmade, described Lagbaja as a patriotic and gallant officer who gave his best in the service of his father’s land.

The governor further eulogised Lagbaja’s sense of coordination and team spirit, saying the late army chief redefined the tenets of military engagement in the manner and speed he tackled the activities of terrorists and bandits with huge success.

“Without mincing words, the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, is indeed a colossal loss to the military and Nigeria at large. However, our solace lies in his very impactful, patriotic and eventful life.

“As a gallant soldier of high courage and doggedness, he gave his best in defending the territorial integrity of his father’s land; may God Almighty rest his soul and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, traced the current peaceful atmosphere in the state to the late Lt Gen Lagbaja’s swift intervention in the security challenge in the state.

Oyebanji stated, “The late COAS’ swift response to the security challenge in Ekiti State after the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers and the kidnapping of school children is responsible for the current peaceful atmosphere in the state.”

The governor said the death of Lt Gen Lagbaja was “a monumental loss to the nation.”

He described the late COAS as “a dedicated soldier, a committed officer and a tested general who fought many battles to defend the territorial integrity of the country.”

The governor extended his condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, the service chiefs, the army high command, the government and people of Osun State and the entire nation on the loss of a great patriot.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in a condolence message, extended his heartfelt condolences to the President, the Nigerian Army and the bereaved family on this great loss.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor said Lt Gen Lagbaja’s selfless service, sacrifices and commitment to the security, unity and progress of Nigeria was worthy of emulation.

He prayed to Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and also give his family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, expressed profound sadness over the death.

In a press statement signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Wednesday, he described Lagbaja’s untimely departure at the age of 56 as a huge loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole.

Soludo offered his deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Army, and the bereaved family of the late Lagbaja, describing the loss as irreparable.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also extended his condolences to the Lagbaja family, the Nigerian government, and the Nigerian Army.

Obi shared his condolence message via his X.com account on Wednesday, describing the death as a painful loss for both the deceased’s family and the nation.

Obi said, “I have just read the official announcement of the unfortunate death of Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

“On behalf of my family and the Obidient family, I sincerely condole with the entire Lagbaja family, the government of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army over this painful loss, which has indeed created a big vacuum in his family and our dear nation.

“May God Almighty, who called him home at this time, forgive his sins, grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, Nigeria’s military, the Nigerian government, and all of us the fortitude to bear his sad and irreplaceable loss. May God protect and bless his family always.”

Osun community suspends celebrations

The Ilobu Community in Osun State has put on hold its annual celebrations where funds are usually raised for community self-help projects.

This was in honour of Lt Gen Lagbaja, an indigene of the town.

The decision to suspend the celebration was contained in a statement signed by the Ilobu-Asake Development Union President, Mr Olufemi Salako, obtained in Osogbo, on Wednesday.

“The Ilobu-Asake Development Union, the umbrella body of all sons and daughters of Ilobu is greatly shocked by the untimely demise of a great member of the Union, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

“The death of Lt Gen. Lagbaja is indeed a devastating one to all of us as it came at a time when his service and leadership are much needed for the development of our community, Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“We take solace in the legacy of service, gallantry, diligence and commitment to Nigeria, he left behind.

“In lieu of the sad development, the National Executive of IDU has announced the immediate suspension of all ongoing activities marking the 2024 Ilobu Day Celebration, the announcement of a new date for the event shall be made later,” the statement partly read.

Salako subsequently called on Nigerians to remember Lagbaja’s immediate family, the Ilobu Community and the Nigeria Army in their prayers, even beyond the mourning period of his transition.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt Gen Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, 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, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the prestigious US Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.