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UPDATED: Tinubu Announces Death Of Chief Of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja

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President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, at age 56.

According to a statement released by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. He, however, did not disclose the illness.

President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.

He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment to the position by President Tinubu in June 2023.

His 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.

FILE: The Chief of Amy Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, addresses troops in Plateau State on January 27, 2024.

Lt. General Lagbaja also 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.

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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.

Death Rumours

Earlier in late October, there were rumours that the Chief of Army Staff had died in an undisclosed hospital abroad. However, the Defence Headquarters quickly dispelled the rumours, insisting that the CAS was on annual leave.

Also in a statement on October 20, Army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, while insisting that there was no leadership vacuum in the Army, noted that the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, had been positioned to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.

He had emphasised that Lagbaja’s absence was not affecting the operations of the service.

“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Nwachukwu had said.

“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.

“This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.

Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.

”Oluyede appointed as Acting COASMeanwhile, as Lagbaja’s absence lingered, President Tinubu on October 30, appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff.

He said Oluyede will hold sway as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who at the time was said to be indisposed and is receiving treatment abroad.

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Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions for Wednesday and Thursday Project Commissionings

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The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for Wednesday, April 8, and Thursday, April 9, 2026, in preparation for the commissioning of several key infrastructure projects by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the state Ministry of Transportation, partial road closures and diversions will be implemented in affected areas to ensure smooth movement during the events, which include the inauguration of the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge and other major projects such as the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building in Alausa and the Tolu Schools Complex.

On Wednesday, April 8, diversions will be enforced around venues for the commissioning ceremonies, while on Thursday, April 9, restrictions will apply between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the Tolu Schools Complex event and additional project unveilings.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. The government urged residents and commuters to cooperate with traffic management officials and security personnel deployed to the areas.

The projects form part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and education facilities across the state. Further details on specific diversion routes are expected to be released by the Ministry of Transportation in the coming hours.

Commuters are encouraged to monitor official announcements via Lagos State traffic radio and social media handles for real-time updates.

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Abiodun Presents Ceremonial Sword to Tinubu, Urges Sustained War on Crime

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Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has presented a ceremonial sword to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, symbolically conferring on him the title of “Jagaban” (leader of warriors and conquerors), while calling for continued aggressive action against crime and insecurity across Nigeria.

The presentation took place during President Tinubu’s official visit to Ogun State on Saturday, where he was received warmly by the governor and other dignitaries.

Governor Abiodun described the sword as a mark of appreciation and a charge to the President to press on with his administration’s security efforts.

In his remarks, Abiodun reminded Tinubu of the strong political and personal ties between them, noting that Ogun State was where the President had previously made significant declarations.

He urged Tinubu to maintain the momentum in the war against criminal elements, banditry, and other threats to national peace.

President Tinubu, who has repeatedly vowed to defeat insecurity by mobilising all military and law enforcement assets, received the gift amid smiles and applause. His administration has emphasised reforms in security architecture, including procurement of new equipment for the armed forces and enhanced coordination among agencies.

The event formed part of a broader visit during which the President is expected to commission key infrastructure projects in the state, including developments linked to the Gateway International Airport. Governor Abiodun used the occasion to commend Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as foreign exchange unification and fuel subsidy removal, describing them as necessary steps that are already yielding positive impacts.

Security analysts view the symbolic gesture as a show of solidarity between the state and federal government in tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. The “Jagaban” title, rooted in Yoruba cultural and warrior traditions, underscores expectations of strong, decisive leadership in the ongoing fight against crime.

The Presidency has not issued a detailed official statement on the sword presentation, but sources close to the visit described it as a morale-boosting moment that reinforced the alliance between the two leaders.

This development comes as the federal government continues to prioritise national security, with recent commitments to equip the military and intensify operations against threats in various parts of the country.

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BudgIT appoints Nigeria Country Director

He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.

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BudgIT has appointed Mr. Vahyala Kwaga as Country Director for Nigeria.

The appointment took effect on April 1, 2026.Kwaga was appointed following a leadership transition within the civic-tech organisation.

He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.

Since joining BudgIT in 2021, Kwaga has held several leadership roles, including Senior Researcher, Head of the Open Government and Institutional Partnerships (OGIP) Unit, Group Head of Research and OGIP, and Deputy Country Director.

In these positions, he contributed to strengthening BudgIT’s research output, deepening its policy engagement, and improving coordination across programmes.

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