We are in grief with the military hierarchy and the nation at large over the demise of the nation’s former Army Chief, Lt. General Taoreed Lagabaja whose distinguished career is a reminder of courage and responsible leadership.
He was Chief of Army Staff, COAS, of the country when his sudden exit opened another painful vista in the nation’s military history.
Appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023 alongside other service chiefs, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s tenure was tragically cut short, as he passed away in a battle with some health challenges.
It is sad that he served only 505 days in office when he passed away during a prolonged illness—lasting 390 days longer than his predecessor, late Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a 2021 Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft B300 King Air 350i plane crash.
One unforgettable incident that arose from Lagbaja’s absence from office was the unprecedented appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff, marking the first time such a position was occupied in the history of the Nigerian military.
We are informed that as Army Chief, Lagbaja consistently stayed close to the theatre of operations, a practice that significantly motivated frontline troops. By making frequent visits to conflict zones, he demonstrated his commitment and fostered morale among the soldiers, encouraging them through his active presence and support. During these visits, Lagbaja was known for engaging directly with the troops, often connecting on a personal level to uplift their spirits and inspire them in their work.
For instance, on a tour in Plateau State in July 2023, he joined soldiers in performing multiple push-ups, showing solidarity and inspiring camaraderie among the ranks. These efforts went a long way in boosting the morale of the troops.
Lagbaja also prioritised the welfare of his troops, implementing key improvements that positively impacted their daily lives. He increased the Ration Cash Allowance, ensured prompt payment of medical evacuation allowances for wounded soldiers undergoing treatment both locally and internationally, and began clearing the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme payments that had accumulated since 2012.
Furthermore, in response to a viral video showing a soldier stationed in Maiduguri, Borno State, voicing frustration about the high cost of transportation preventing him from visiting his family, Lagbaja took swift action. Under his leadership, airlifting frontline troops on annual leave to their destinations across the country became more regular, evolving into his bi-monthly “Welfare Flight Initiative”. This programme has been instrumental in helping soldiers reconnect with their families, thereby addressing a significant welfare concern.
Additionally, General Lagbaja brought to life a long-envisioned goal of the Nigerian Army to have an aviation wing within the service to provide essential air support for ground operations. In September 2023, he announced that the Federal Government had approved the acquisition of 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters to strengthen the army’s capabilities. Two Bell UH-1H helicopters arrived in Nigeria in June 2024, with the remaining 10 attack helicopters expected to follow soon. According to Lagbaja, this strategic procurement would substantially enhance the army’s operational capacity in tackling the insecurity challenges facing the nation.
Additionally, the Nigerian Army under Lagbaja commenced an Affordable House Ownership option for all Soldiers.
Another significant project initiated under his leadership was the Smart Soldier Initiative. This program is designed to leverage cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities in combating terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors. The initiative would also help reduce the risk of soldiers on the front lines.
The implementation of this transformative project was underway when he passed on, leaving a legacy of progress in modernising military operations.
During his tenure, the Nigerian Army made significant strides in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
As he received a resounding funeral ceremony with the Nation’s Commander in Chief, President Tinubu, Vice-President Shettima and virtually all top government functioneries in attendance it was a clear testament that the late COAS lived above board.
