Lagbaja: The death of the COAS as Plateau’s loss

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum

A couple of weeks in October 2024, the news had broken out about the passage of the erstwhile Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja abroad due to ill health.

Almost all social media platforms were awashed with the story of his death at 56; who was only 16 months on the saddle, having been appointed on June 19, 2023.

It turned out to be a hoax after all, yet it was established, he was not in the best form of his health. Shortly after that, an acting Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen Olufemi Oluyede was appointed to hold forth. This was indeed a confirmation that it was not well with the COAS.

Sadly however, Nigerians woke up on November 5, 2024 to the news of the passage of Nigeria’s Army Chief. His death was a telling blow to the work he had started.

Those who have followed his short spell on board as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), certainly have a different perception about the task assigned to the office.

Since the announcement of his passage by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, various levels of leaders from all walks of life have described his death as a great loss to Nigeria’s military and the quest to change the security architecture he initiated on assumption of office in 2023.

Nigeria’s quest for stability and the total security compliance in the regions through the efforts of the security agencies has been primarily the concern of the Armed Forces since coming on board of the Tinubu Presidency.

Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja NAM, was Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff. The Nigeria Army has described him as one who dedicated his ‘life to serving Nigeria, with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Your immeasurable legacy and contributions will never be forgotten’.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, is distraught with the passage of the Army Chief, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja. It is reason why he described his death as a tremendous loss not only to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces but also to the people of Plateau State.

Lagbaja, for those who know, was a steadfast advocate for peace and security in Plateau State, where he ‘fostered an environment where citizens could carry out their daily lives in safety and harmony’, according to the governor.

‘Gen Lagbaja’s legacy of justice, fairness, and his steadfast dedication to the peace and security of Nigeria should serve as an enduring inspiration to all, particularly young officers in the Nigerian Army,” Governor Mutfwang said.

Here in Plateau State Gen TA Lagbaja’s ‘unflagging dedication to restoring peace nationwide, with particular efforts in Plateau State, where he played a crucial role during the December 2023 Christmas Eve tragedy in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas’, have not gone unnoticed.

At the height of security related breaches, he visited troops in Mangu and held a townhall meeting with critical stakeholders on the way forward.

During the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos and Mangu; alongside Minister of State for Defense, he came to get first hand information on the attacks, but more importantly to find the way forward.

Alongside with the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Christopher Giwa he visited again; and also during the last week long Nigeria Army Day Celebration, hosted by the 3 Armoured Division, Rukuba.

Since he became the COAS, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has spoken good of his zeal toward ensuring peace and security in the country. Above all, his unwavering commitment to the peace process in Plateau, has helped stem the tide.

The late COAS, a thoroughbred and accomplished senior military officer had developed social interest toward a peaceful Plateau. It was not hidden in his deployment and special interest shown in ensuring Plateau remain peaceful.

He was aware ‘that sustainable security is achieved not only by strength but through compassion, resilience, and support’ for the victims among us.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has already paid a condolence visit to his widow, Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and the Army Headquarters to commiserate with the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, on the tragedy.

During the visit, he had this to say; that his ‘unwavering dedication and commitment to service greatly strengthened the security of our nation, particularly here in Plateau State.

‘His passing leaves a deep void, and both the people and government of Plateau State will miss his steadfast support and selfless patriotism. During our challenging moments, he stood with us, dedicating his time and resources to safeguard lives and property.

Sadly, the list of Chiefs of Army Staff who have died while in office has been increased.

The first of them include, Major General Joseph Akahan. He was just 30 years old and had been made the Chief of Army Staff before the start of Nigeria’s civil war in 1967. He died August 1967.

The second is Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru. His ‘tragic end’ came on May 21, 2021, ‘on a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350, en route to Kaduna for an official visit to attend the Passing Out Parade of the 80RRI in Depot Nigerian Army the following day.

‘Unfortunately, the plane crashed mid-journey, claiming the lives of Attahiru and 10 others on board. Attahiru had been appointed Chief of Army Staff in January 2021, replacing Tukur Buratai, and had served just a few months in office’.

Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja’s death on November 5, 2024 at 56 is the third. He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

Throughout his distinguished career, he held command positions in several significant operations, including Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Operation ZAKI.

His leadership was further demonstrated in Internal Security Operations in Benue, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and in the South East region.

Variously, the late COAS has been ‘described as a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled’.

It is therefore not surprising that Lt Gen Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape.

Since his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, ‘he has demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.

‘His contributions to operations such as FOREST SANITATION in Kaduna and the Niger States, LAFIYA DOLE, ZAMAN LAFIYA and HADIN KAI in Borno, ZAKI in Benue, and UDOKA in the Southeast, amongst others, reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria’.