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Gen. Lagbaja’s Death Throws FEC, Military Into Mourning
The death on Tuesday of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has thrown the nation into mourning.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide for seven days.
He cancelled the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and received visitors who paid condolence call on him, including Vice President Kashim Shettima.
All activities at the Defence Headquarters and Army Headquarters were put on hold for the late Army chief.
Gen. Lagbaja spent 16 months in office as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
Last month, news broke that he was flown to the United States to take care of an undisclosed ailment.
On October 30, the President appointed Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was commander of the infantry corps in Jaji, Kaduna State, as acting Chief of Army Staff, an indication that Gen. Lagbaja was critically ill.
On Tuesday, Maj-Gen Oluyede was promoted and decorated by the President and Commander-in-Chief, as a Lieutenant General, the rank reserved for a serving Chief or Army Staff.
Coincidentally, Gen. Lagbaja died on that same day in Lagos, having being flown back from the U.S., a few days earlier.
He was said to have lost the battle to cancer.
Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s home town, Ilobu in Osun State, was enveloped in mourning as observed by The Nation reporter who visited the town yesterday after his death was announced.
People sat in groups discussing the development. Many others flocked to the palace of the town’s monarch.
Ministers were already seated at the Council chamber, waiting for the arrival of Mr. President, when Vice President Shettima called the ministers, who were exchanging banters ahead of the commencement of the meeting, to order.
He then announced the postponement of the meeting. He said: “Honourable ministers, this is a message from the President. He has suspended today’s Council meeting in honour of the Chief of Army Staff. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
“Let’s observe a minute silence in his honour.”
This was done.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, announcing Gen. Lagbaja demise, said in a statement: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“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.
“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
“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 their two children.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation”.
CDS mourns Gen. Lagbaja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, described the death of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja as a “tremendous loss,” not only to his family, but the Nigerian military and the entire country.
General Musa said this in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau.
The CDS described the late COAS 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.”
He said: “Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the Armed Force of Nigeria and the national defence security landscape”.
Recalling General Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as the COAS, the CDS Chief acknowledged his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,” he said.
The CDS condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late General Lagbaja and all Nigerians over the sad loss and prayed to Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs. Maria, and his family during this period of immense grief.
He emphasised that the Nigerian military and the nation will deeply feel the void left by General Lagbaja’s invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.
Acting COAS leads condolence delegation
The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, led a condolence delegation to the official residence of the late Gen. Lagbaja to commiserate with his widow, Mariya.
Lt – Gen Oluyede was with Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army.
Gen Oluyede extolled his gallantry, dedication, and legacies throughout his service years in the Nigerian Army.
Both Lt-Gen. Lagbaja and Lt.-Gen. Oluyede were mates, members of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede and the team moved towards the corner where the condolence register was placed.
He stepped forward smartly to sign the register behind which was placed the portrait of Gen. Lagbaja.
After writing his message, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede stepped backward and made a brisk salute.
He wrote: “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, commiserate with Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, the children and the entire Lagbaja clan over the passing of our dogged, gallant and extremely dedicated leader, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal), Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lt Gen Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation. This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way querry the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed. “
He contributed greatly to secure Nigeria
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru and the Minister of Defence (State) Bello Matawalle said Gen. Lagbaja contributed greatly in securing the country against adversaries.
The ministers said the late army chief exhibited a high level of professionalism during his lifetime.
They described him as a team player who “exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.”
“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence as our working relationship with him is commendable as he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.
“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.
“He will be greatly missed by the family, the Military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.
“May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi recently defended his past interactions with armed groups, stating he “took the bull by the horns” in 2021 as a necessary step to address Nigeria’s insecurity.
In a post shared on Facebook on Thursday, Gumi said decades of neglect of disadvantaged populations had created deep socio-economic inequalities, leaving many youths vulnerable to manipulation by external forces seeking to destabilise the country.
According to him, the widening gap between the rich and the poor has turned many young people into “ready-made foot soldiers” in cycles of violence that enable the exploitation of Nigeria’s resources.
He also criticised the political class for being largely unresponsive, while noting that the intellectual community is preoccupied with survival struggles.
Reflecting on his past efforts, Gumi said he “took the bull by the horns” in 2021 by attempting to reintegrate violent elements into society rather than allowing them to be further radicalised.
He wrote: “Nigeria for decades has ignored the underprivileged section of its society. There is a significant socio-economic discrepancy, and the society is stratified. This makes our teaming youth ready-made foot soldiers for any foreign interest trying to divide us and rule. To plunder our resources while we are involved in a vicious circle of violence.
”Unfortunately, the political class is unattentive while the intelligentsia is held hostage in the struggle for existence.
“In 2021, I took the bull by the horns in an attempt to bring some of these uncouth elements back to our fold rather than letting them be exploited by the devil.
“I still believe this is the only way out of our predicament. However, it needs the political will and determination to achieve.
“May Allah bring peace back to our nation.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an ex-parte application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Peter Lifu declined the request from Wuse Ward leaders, ruling that such an order could not be granted without first hearing from the senator.
Instead, the judge ordered the ward leaders said to be loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to put the senator on notice to appear in court to join issues with them on their grievances.
Justice Lifu in a ruling on Thursday held that discretion in such a request for prohibition from party activities and in political matters must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
The judge said justice would be met in the case of the plaintiffs only when the side of the defendant is heard on its merit, along with that of the plaintiffs.
Consequently, the judge ordered that Senator Ireti Kingibe should be served with all court processes by the plaintiffs to enable her become aware of the suit and to prepare her defense.
The judge fixed April 20, 2026, for the plaintiffs and the serving senator to appear before him for hearing of all applications in the matter.
Those who sued the senator in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CV/539/2026 are Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, on behalf of themselves and ward members as plaintiffs. The senator is the sole defendant.
In their ex-parte application, Kingibe representing the FCT in the Senate was said to have been suspended on March 10, 2026 by her Wuse Ward executives following allegations of anti-party activities and disregard of your cnstitution of the ADC.
In the ex- parte application filed on their behalf by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Kolawole Olowookere, the aggrieved ADC members in Wuse Ward applied for an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from parading herself as a member of party, pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
They also asked the judge to restrain the senator from performing any function, attending meetings or performing activities reserved for ADC members or representing the party in any activities.
Besides, the Ward Executive Committee had asked that she be restrained from further interfering with the administration of the ward, ward register and other activities.
The suit was predicated on five grounds among which are that Mrs Kingibe was placed on suspension due to anti-party activities, gross misconduct and confiscation of the ward statutory records.
They argued that the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC constitution and ratified by the two thirds majority of the EXCO members.
They averred that despite the communication of the suspension to Kingibe, she has continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member, and using her security details to intimidate the executive committee.
“Her actions constitute flagrant disregard to the internal mechanism of the party,” the plaintiffs stated.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall who claimed to be representing the senator, announced that he had filed a preliminary objection against the suit. He added that it was served on M. S. Garba, who stood for the plaintiffs at Thursday’s proceedings.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to lead a high-powered security assessment following recent security breaches.
The visit was aimed at strengthening public confidence and reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilize affected communities.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement that the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to restore calm and entrench lasting peace across the state.
According to the statement, upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, in a clear demonstration of strong civil-military cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing emerging security challenges.
The statement said the COAS received a comprehensive operational briefing from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who highlighted ongoing operations and proactive measures being implemented in synergy with other security agencies to contain threats, protect lives and property, and stabilise affected communities.
“As part of his engagements, Lieutenant General Shaibu also interacted with community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding all law-abiding citizens.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies by complying with the curfew and cooperating fully with ongoing operations and investigations, while going about their lawful activities.
The chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Hon. Dachung Bagos, commended the COAS for the timely visit, noting that the presence of the nation’s top military leadership would boost public confidence and reinforce trust in ongoing security efforts.
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