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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.”
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede has declared that he has fulfilled his 2024 promise to oversee the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Addressing public questions regarding his previous vow to resign if Bello was not prosecuted, Olukoyede stated during an interview on Sunday Politics aired by Channels Television that his mandate to investigate and bring the matter to court has been achieved.
“A sitting governor, because he knew he was about to leave office, moved money directly from government to a bureau de change and used it to pay his child’s school fees in advance $720,000,” Olukoyede said.
He described the alleged action as disturbing, particularly in view of the economic condition of Kogi State.
“In a poor state like Kogi, you want me to close my eyes to that under the excuse that I am being used? Being used by who at this stage of my life?” he asked.
Olukoyede also recalled a public statement he made in April 2024, when he vowed to resign if Bello was not prosecuted.
“If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as the chairman of the EFCC,” he had said.
Addressing public concerns over the pace of the case, the EFCC chairman said the commission had fulfilled its responsibility and that the matter is now before the courts.
“Have I not fulfilled that promise? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is in court,” he said.
He stressed that the EFCC’s role is to investigate and prosecute, not to determine guilt or secure convictions.
“I have three cases against Yahaya Bello. Am I the judge who will decide conviction? I have done my work and fulfilled my mandate,” Olukoyede added.
Bello is currently facing multiple charges before different courts. He is standing trial on a 16-count charge involving alleged property fraud amounting to N110 billion, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
In a separate case before the Federal High Court, the former governor is also facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering involving N80.2 billion.
The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted in April 2024 over alleged financial crimes estimated at about N80 billion, a development that sparked widespread political debate.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Salim Musa (known as @AM_Saleeeem on X), a prominent critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku’s statement characterized the arrest as part of a “growing crackdown on dissent” and warned that such repression threatens Nigeria’s democratic future as the nation approaches a critical general election period.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Monday, following a report by Amnesty International Nigeria on the arrest of the young Nigerian on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
“This case is yet another stark example of the repressive nature of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to bare its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism,” Atiku said.
According to him, Musa’s only offence was his persistent criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.
“Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country,” he stated.
Rather than engage with the concerns raised, Atiku said the government resorted to intimidation and prosecution.
“Instead of addressing these serious concerns, the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty International rightly describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial,” he added.
The former vice president stressed that Musa’s arrest was not an isolated incident, noting that several Nigerians had suffered similar treatment for expressing dissent.
“Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers and even NYSC members, have faced arrest, assault and intimidation simply for criticising the President or members of his family,” Atiku said.
He warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he said.
Atiku further argued that Nigeria’s democratic credentials were being eroded by the continued repression of critics.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government,” he stated.
With general elections approaching, Atiku cautioned against an atmosphere of fear and repression.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he warned.
He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Musa and others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
“I call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights,” Atiku said.
He also urged the government to halt arbitrary arrests and intimidation, while calling on the international community to intervene.
“I urge the international community, particularly countries and organisations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations,” he said.
Atiku concluded by calling on Nigerians and civil society groups to resist any further erosion of civil liberties.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups and all Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms,” he added.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
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