Nigeria is in deep mourning following the sudden death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness.
The tragic loss comes less than a year after President Bola Tinubu appointed him, and it marks a significant blow to Nigeria’s military leadership.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s death is particularly devastating as it continues a tragic trend, making him the third Chief of Army Staff to pass away while in office.
Military leaders and government officials have expressed their profound sorrow at his passing, describing him as a dedicated officer who served his country with commitment and integrity.
The Nigerian Army, meanwhile, is expected to announce arrangements for his burial, while condolence messages pour in from citizens and dignitaries alike.
Below are the ex-COAS who died in office:
Joseph Akahan
Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After visiting the frontlines in Nsukka, he returned to his hometown in Gboko for a brief rest.
As he headed back to Makurdi, the helicopter carrying him crashed, claiming his life along with two pilots on board.
Attahiru Ibrahim (May 21, 2021)
Late COAS, Ibrahim Attahiru
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed in January 2021 to replace Tukur Buratai, died just months into his tenure. His appointment, alongside other service chiefs including Lucky Irabor (Chief of Defence Staff), Zubairu Gambo (Chief of Naval Staff), and Isiaka Amao (Chief of Air Staff), followed widespread calls for a leadership change amid escalating security concerns.
Tragically, while on an official assignment from Abuja to Kaduna, Attahiru’s aircraft encountered severe weather conditions and crashed, killing him and 10 members of his entourage.
Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)
Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja
Lagbaja, an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1992.
Before he was appointed COAS on June 19, 2023, he served 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.
A statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the Army chief died in Lagos after a brief illness.
He has now been replaced by his classmate from the Defence Academy, Olufemi Oluyede.
Oluyede was appointed by the acting Chief of Army Staff last Wednesday, as Lagbaja had been confirmed indisposed for weeks.