•Late Army chiefs
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead.
This was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on X today.
Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, becomes the third Chief of Army Staff to have died in office, reports The Nation.
Here are COAS who died in office:
1. Joseph Akahan (August 1967)
Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After visiting the frontline 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 with two pilots on board.
2. Attahiru Ibrahim (May 21, 2021)
Former COAS Attahiru Ibrahim died on the evening of May 21, 2021, while he was travelling on a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350 for an official visit to Kaduna to attend the Passing out Parade of 80RRI in Depot Nigerian Army on 22 May 2021.
During the journey the plane crashed, killing Attahiru and all 10 other people on board.
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was appointed in January 2021 to replace Tukur Buratai.
He died just months into his tenure.
3. Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)
Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 by President Tinubu.
Lagbaja held command positions in several military operations, including Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Operation ZAKI.
He was also part of the Internal Security Operation in Benue, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and Internal Security Operation in the South East.
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.
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 two children.
