₦airaland Forum

Nigeria is in mourning following the sudden death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness. His death comes barely a year after he was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, marking a tragic blow to the nation’s military leadership.

Lagbaja’s death also marks the third time a Chief of Army Staff has died in office, adding to a list of tragic losses among Nigeria’s military heads.

Below are the ex-COAS who died in office:

Joseph Akahan (August 1967)

Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After visiting the frontlines in Nsukka, he returned to his hometown in Gboko for a brief rest.

As he headed back to Makurdi, the helicopter carrying him crashed, claiming his life along with two pilots on board.

Attahiru Ibrahim (May 21, 2021)

Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed in January 2021 to replace Tukur Buratai, died just months into his tenure. His appointment, alongside other service chiefs including Lucky Irabor (Chief of Defence Staff), Zubairu Gambo (Chief of Naval Staff), and Isiaka Amao (Chief of Air Staff), followed widespread calls for a leadership change amid escalating security concerns.

Tragically, while on an official assignment from Abuja to Kaduna, Attahiru’s aircraft encountered severe weather conditions and crashed, killing him and 10 members of his entourage.

Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)

Lagbaja, an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1992.

Before he was appointed COAS on June 19, 2023, he served 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.

A statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the Army chief died in Lagos after a brief illness.

He has now been replaced by his classmate from the Defence Academy, Olufemi Oluyede.

Oluyede was appointed by the acting Chief of Army Staff last Wednesday, as Lagbaja had been confirmed indisposed for weeks.

Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After visiting the frontlines in Nsukka, he returned to his hometown in Gboko for a brief rest.

As he headed back to Makurdi, the helicopter carrying him crashed, claiming his life along with two pilots on board.

flyinnizam:
Tinubu scared of Coup by appointing Yoruba as COAS. If he is doing well, he won't be scared of Coup

RenaissanceGuy:
It's not always the army leadership that initiates coups. Any group of disgruntled army officers can successfully carry it out without the knowledge of the top brass.

flyinnizam:
lies. a high ranking officer is needed to pass order..Army live by command. the COAS is in the best position to initiate it

flyinnizam:
lies. a high ranking officer is needed to pass order..Army live by command. the COAS is in the best position to initiate it

flyinnizam:
Tinubu scared of Coup by appointing Yoruba as COAS. If he is doing well, he won't be scared of Coup

flyinnizam:
lies. a high ranking officer is needed to pass order..Army live by command. the COAS is in the best position to initiate it

flyinnizam:
Tinubu scared of Coup by appointing Yoruba as COAS. If he is doing well, he won't be scared of Coup

RenaissanceGuy:
It's not always the army leadership that initiates coups. Any group of disgruntled army officers can successfully carry it out without the knowledge of the top brass.

flyinnizam:
lies. a high ranking officer is needed to pass order..Army live by command. the COAS is in the best position to initiate it

RenaissanceGuy:
Not true. The very top leaders will even be arrested themselves. And BTW, a coup can be carried out by any group, even the police force, airforce or even an ordinary civilian, as far as they have military backup. In Qatar, a civilian guy removed his father from power and took over - because he had military backup.

UrennaNkoli:
Who told you only COAS can initiate coups? Back then even ordinary majors were coordinating coups.

Akpaamunsi:
Indomie generation Kiddo, keep quiet

Kingpele:
This guy died weeks ago but government in their usual way of lying to masses. Told us he's on holiday

lenghtinny:
Do you think it’s mere coincidence that they are announcing just after appointing and promoting the new guy…..

Seems Tpain is scared of being ousted by a military coup

flyinnizam:
Tinubu scared of Coup by appointing Yoruba as COAS. If he is doing well, he won't be scared of Coup

Kingpele:
This guy died weeks ago but government in their usual way of lying to masses. Told us he's on holiday

flyinnizam:
Tinubu scared of Coup by appointing Yoruba as COAS. If he is doing well, he won't be scared of Coup