The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, has paid tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, describing him as a “warrior” who fought tirelessly against terrorism across various theatres of war in Nigeria.
The presidency confirmed Lagbaja’s passing on Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Reacting to the news of Lagbaja’s death, which led to the cancellation of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, Abubakar expressed profound sadness.
“It’s really very sad. It’s tragic. We use this opportunity to condole with Mr. President over this heavy loss, as well as with his family and all Nigerians,” he said.
“It’s a great loss for our country. He was a gallant officer, very hardworking, and performed commendably well across all theatres of war.
He was indeed a warrior. We pray to Allah to receive his soul.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, highlighted his close working relationship with Lagbaja. “We enjoyed working with him,” Matawalle said.
“He was a gallant officer, and it’s a great loss to this nation. We ask God to bless his family and urge Nigerians to continue praying for his spirit.”
Both ministers extended their condolences to the family of the late general and to President Tinubu, acknowledging the significant loss to the nation.
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