In a sudden and somber turn, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The decision, announced this morning, was made to honour the memory of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.
The FEC meeting, originally set for today, will be rescheduled to allow the nation to mourn a leader many considered a patriot and hero.
The presidency has yet to disclose the new date for the meeting, but the delay underscores the weight of the loss felt across Nigeria.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was 56 years old at the time of his passing.
He was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, following a long and distinguished military career that spanned over three decades.
During his short tenure as Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja was hailed for his dedication to national security.
He spearheaded operations aimed at reducing violence in regions plagued by banditry and insurgency, especially in Northern Nigeria.
“Lt. General Lagbaja’s contributions to our security and stability were immense,” President Tinubu stated.
President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow and offered his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In a symbolic tribute, President Tinubu directed flags nationwide to be flown at half-mast for seven days.
This honour, he explained, reflects the late general’s significance to the nation.
“Lt. General Lagbaja was more than just a soldier; he was a patriot who dedicated his life to the nation’s peace,” remarked Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s military journey began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
Upon his graduation in 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as part of the 39th Regular Course.
From his early days as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, he showed an unyielding dedication to his duty.
Over the years, he led numerous security operations that safeguarded Nigerians.
Some of his notable commands included Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Udoka in Southeast Nigeria.
In recent years, he commanded Operation Forest Sanity, a campaign aimed at curbing the activities of criminal groups in Kaduna and Niger States.
Lagbaja’s strategic expertise also extended beyond the battlefield.
He was an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to enhancing his leadership skills.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s legacy as Chief of Army Staff is remembered for his emphasis on restoring stability and his approach to complex security issues.
Under his command, the military executed strategic operations that many credit with restoring calm in volatile areas.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s family, consisting of his wife Mariya and their two children.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” the official statement read.
