On Thursday, His Excellency, Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, led members of the committee to extend condolences to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. During the visit, Otunba Daniel conveyed heartfelt sympathies to Lagbaja’s widow and offered prayers for the late Army Chief, acknowledging his significant contributions to Nigeria’s security.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. He was 56 years old at the time of his death.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, was appointed Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he served in the role for over a year. Born on February 28, 1968, his military journey began with his admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course. Throughout his career, he held critical roles, including platoon commander at the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He led numerous internal security missions across Nigeria, playing a key role in operations such as ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
Rumors and Transition
Late last month, unverified reports circulated regarding Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s health, which the Defence Headquarters quickly refuted, clarifying that he was on annual leave. Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu assured the public that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, had been designated to act on behalf of the Army Chief during his absence.
In a statement, Nwachukwu emphasized the Army’s structural resilience and procedural readiness, dismissing claims of a leadership vacuum as mere speculation.
In response to the prolonged absence of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, President Tinubu on October 30 appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. Shortly after his appointment, Oluyede was promoted to Lieutenant General by President Tinubu, a rank that qualifies him for confirmation as the substantive Army Chief.
Oluyede, a coursemate of Lagbaja from the 39th Regular Course, has held various key positions throughout his career, including serving as Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. He has led numerous military operations, including ECOMOG in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s commendable service record has earned him several awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour and the Grand Service Star. His extensive experience and proven dedication to duty are expected to guide the Army in this transitional period.
Government and Public Reactions
The Nigerian Army and government officials have conveyed confidence in Oluyede’s capabilities to lead the institution. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, during his condolence visit, honored Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy and expressed hopes that his dedication would inspire continued excellence in the Army’s leadership.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
