The Nigerian military and the nation are grieving after the unexpected passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, who died on Tuesday in Lagos following a brief illness.
This tragic development, less than a year since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, marks the third instance in Nigerian history where an Army Chief has died while actively serving, highlighting a difficult period for the country’s armed forces.
Lagbaja’s military career was distinguished and widely respected. Having graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1992, he further honed his skills at the U.S. Army War College. Before his promotion to Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, Lagbaja served in key roles, including as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and later with the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He also took command in various national security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger states. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed his passing and conveyed condolences on behalf of the government.
Lagbaja’s role will now be filled by his classmate from the Defence Academy, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, who had been acting as COAS while Lagbaja was receiving medical care.
Below are Past Army Chiefs Who Lost Their Lives in Service
Ibrahim Attahiru (May 21, 2021)
Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru’s tenure as COAS also ended abruptly and tragically. Appointed in January 2021 amid widespread security issues, Attahiru had just begun to implement new strategies when his plane went down due to severe weather on a flight from Abuja to Kaduna. This devastating accident claimed his life along with ten others, including senior military personnel, and marked a significant loss just four months into his term.
Joseph Akahan (August 1967)
Joseph Akahan, appointed as Army Chief just before the Nigerian Civil War in 1967, was another leader who tragically died while in service. Only 30 years old, Akahan was leading the army during a critical time in Nigeria’s history. After visiting the battlefront in Nsukka, he returned to his hometown, Gboko, for a short break. His life was cut short when his helicopter crashed en route to Makurdi, killing him and the two pilots onboard.
