The nation is in mourning following the passing of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. Flags across the country have been lowered to half-mast for seven days, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting was also canceled as a mark of respect, with the President receiving condolences from various dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Gen. Lagbaja’s death has left the military in deep sorrow, especially as his hometown, Ilobu in Osun State, is gripped by grief. The late COAS passed away in Lagos after battling cancer, following a period of medical treatment in the United States. Just days before his passing, President Tinubu had appointed Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff, signaling Gen. Lagbaja’s deteriorating health.

Gen. Lagbaja, who served as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff for 16 months, was highly regarded for his leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s security. He began his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and earned numerous accolades for his role in key national security operations, including those in Benue, Borno, Southeast Nigeria, and Kaduna. His military career reached new heights with a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

The acting COAS, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, led a condolence delegation to the home of the late general, where he signed the condolence register on behalf of the Nigerian Army. He praised Gen. Lagbaja’s dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to national service. Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the late COAS as a loyal and reliable service chief whose contributions will always be remembered in the history of the Nigerian military.

The Defence Ministry also expressed its sadness, acknowledging Gen. Lagbaja’s significant contributions to internal security operations across the country. The late general’s professionalism and teamwork were lauded by his colleagues, and his loss is deeply felt by both the military and the nation as a whole.