Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, no doubt, has fought many dangerous and life-threatening wars and battles, which could not claim his life.
Sadly, he answered the call everyone will face, death, at a prime age of 56 years when the nation still needed his service to end terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other crimes in the country.
Lagbaja, who didn't die from gunshot, bomb or other great dangers associated with his profession, was called home from illness.
What was spreading several days ago as rumour was on Wednesday confirmed by the President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
But unlike the rumour that spread like wildfire, the President said Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.
As a mark of honour to Lagbaja, the Federal Executive Council meeting slated for Wednesday 6th November, 2024, was also cancelled.
The President, in another statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also directed National flags to be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days.
General Lagbaja, as the 23rd COAS was very passionate about his Command Philosophy, which is "to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly effective force to fulfill our constitution,"
The General, who was appointed as COAS on the 19th of June, 2023, was well trained in land, airborne and amphibious warfare and was very aggressive in decimating bandits, cattle rustlers, and terrorists that operated mostly in Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, and other North West States, before his appointment as COAS.
He assumed his COAS job in the same stride making greater inroads in fighting terrorism and other form of insecurity across Nigeria.
At the helm of affairs, Lagbaja also handled staff welfare with the required determination, and improving the staff welfare he met on ground when he assumed office.
He also took serious measures to boost the morale of personnel of the Nigerian Army towards giving their best service to the nation.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff 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. General 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 U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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