Abuja: The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and his counterpart, Bello Matawalle, have expressed their condolences to President Bola Tinubu following the passing of the Chief Of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the demise of Lt. General Lagbaja was described as a significant loss to the nation by Minister Badaru. He recounted Lt. General Lagbaja’s reputation as a gallant officer and a warrior who had commendably served in numerous operational theaters. Badaru expressed his sorrow, highlighting the gravity of the loss to both the country and the family of the deceased. He further prayed for the peaceful repose of Lt. General Lagbaja’s soul, entrusting him to Allah’s mercy.
Additionally, Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, praised Lt. General Lagbaja’s service to the nation, echoing similar sentiments of loss. Matawalle extended his condolences to the family of Lt. General Lagbaja and acknowledged the profound impact of his pas
sing on the nation. He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the spirit of the late COAS and expressed his hope for blessings upon the bereaved family.
Lt. General Lagbaja, aged 56, passed away in Lagos after a period of illness. Born on February 28, 1968, he was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His distinguished military career commenced with his enrollment in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, leading to his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, notably serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. His pivotal roles in internal security operations such as Operation ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, Udoka, and Operation Forest Sanity were instrumental in maintaining national security.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studie
s, underscoring his dedication to professional growth and military excellence. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.