Defence Minister, Service Chiefs Pay Condolence Visit To Late COAS Lagbaja’s Family

The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, led a delegation of service chiefs on Thursday to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Naija News reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced Lagbaja’s death in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday. Lagbaja, who served as the 23rd COAS, passed away at the age of 56 following a brief illness.

The high-profile delegation included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

Also present was the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana.

The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, received the ministers and service chiefs at the Flag Staff House, the official residence of the COAS, located within the Nigerian Barracks, Abuja.

During the visit, the ministers and service chiefs took turns signing the condolence register opened at the residence, each leaving heartfelt messages to honour the legacy of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.

The passing of Lagbaja has left a profound impact on the military and the nation, with tributes pouring in from across the country.