Nigeria is currently in a state of mourning following the unexpected demise of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday in Lagos following a brief illness.
Lagbaja’s death occurred just over a year since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, a development that has been met with a profound sense of loss for the nation’s military leadership.
Furthermore, Lagbaja’s death represents the third instance of a Chief of Army Staff succumbing to their duties, contributing to a somber history of tragic fatalities among Nigeria’s military leaders.
Below are the ex-COAS who died in office:
Joseph Akahan (August 1967)
Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed in the immediate aftermath of the commencement of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.
Following his visit to the frontlines in Nsukka, he proceeded to his hometown in Gboko for a short respite.
Tragically, as he made his way back to Makurdi, the helicopter transporting him was involved in a fatal crash, resulting in his demise along with the lives of two pilots aboard.
Attahiru Ibrahim (May 21, 2021)
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who took office in January 2021 to succeed Tukur Buratai, unfortunately, passed away just a few months into his role.
His appointment, which included other key military leaders such as Lucky Irabor (Chief of Defence Staff), Zubairu Gambo (Chief of Naval Staff), and Isiaka Amao (Chief of Air Staff), came in response to significant public demand for a change in leadership due to rising security challenges.
In a tragic turn of events, while on an official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, Attahiru’s aircraft faced severe weather conditions, resulting in a crash that claimed his life along with ten members of his team.
Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)
Lagbaja, a distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1992.
Prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on June 19, 2023, Lagbaja had served as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Throughout his career, Lagbaja has been instrumental in several critical internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across the states of Kaduna and Niger.
A statement issued by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed Lagbaja’s passing in Lagos following a brief illness.
Following Lagbaja’s demise, his position as Chief of Army Staff has been assumed by his alma mater classmate, Olufemi Oluyede. Oluyede was sworn in by the acting Chief of Army Staff on the same day Lagbaja’s confirmation of his indisposed state.
