By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
The Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON , the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana , the Management staff and the entire Staff of the Ministry of Defence, commiserate and extend their heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Nigerian Army, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the family on the transition to eternal glory of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
His death has been described 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 as 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 in the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited 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.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja NAM, 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.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape.
Appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2024, he demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country. His contributions to operations such as FOREST SANITATION in Kaduna and the Niger States, LAFIYA DOLE, ZAMAN LAFIYA and HADIN KAI in Borno, ZAKI in Benue, and UDOKA in the Southeast, amongst others, reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.
General Musa, therefore, prayed for Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja and his family during this period of immense grief.
He emphasised that the AFN 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. His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.
Also the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN) is deeply saddened by the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, a distinguished and revered leader whose exemplary dedication and service to Nigeria’s security and sovereignty will forever be remembered.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja was an embodiment of commitment, valor, and unwavering patriotism.
Throughout his career, he remained steadfast in his resolve to protect and defend our nation, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian Armed Forces.
His leadership inspired countless military personnel and Nigerians alike, as he devoted his life to the cause of national unity and security.
DECAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the bereaved family, and all Nigerians mourning this profound loss. We stand in solidarity with our brave men and women in uniform who continue to uphold the values that Lieutenant General Lagbaja so passionately defended.
As Nigeria mourns the loss of this remarkable leader, DECAN remains committed to reporting and supporting the endeavors of the Armed Forces as they strive to carry forward the legacy of service, courage, and dedication that defined the life of Lieutenant General Lagbaja.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those affected by this tragedy. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy of duty and resilience guide the Nigerian Army in these challenging times.
