The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa has described the deceased  former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja as a colossal loss to the Nigerian army and the nation at large who was an exceptional and visionary leader in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He made the remark at the 81 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Lagos while members of the Prayer and Support of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies paid a courtesy visit to the GOC today in Lagos.

Maj. Gen Minjinyawa noted that the legacy of the deceased gallant officer will forever linger on in the memory of the men of the Nigerian Armed Forces through his giant strides and accomplishments of Nigeria. He stated, “Lt. Gen Lagbaja was a great leader with great vision who dedicated his service to the army and the nation at large. A transformational figure who served his time with diligence, his effort will never be forgotten, as we pray for the repose of his soul, we pray for all the legacy he left behind “Lt.Gen. Lagbaja gave his meritorious service to the nation and we are grateful to the group for deeming it fit to come and condole with us.

He has served his time with diligence but his effort will never be forgotten, as we pray for the repose of his soul and the family he left behind. And we  will continue with the legacy he left behind”

The former Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was said to be highly revered and popular among the rank and files of the military passed away on November 5, 2024, in Lagos after a brief illness was described as a professional who was committed to serving the nation in his gallant fight towards the insurgency and transformation witnessed in the Nigerian Armed Forces and personnel.

During the courtesy visit, the Convener of #Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, Ambassador Mary Fatile, described the late COAS Lt. Gen Lagbaja as an astute professional with keen interest in human capacity building and development.

She stated, “His transformational workcan be seen around the army barracks in terms of provision of infrastructure, welfare and improving the morals of his officers and men.

AMB Fatile stressed that despite his short stay as  COAS , his legacy of welfares, equipping the Nigerian Army , operational efficiency, and tackling insecurity across the board would be remembered.

Fatile said “was a thoughtful and disciplined leader who inspired many . . He was a compassionate leader who put his soldiers first”

The Convener of the group pointed out that he drove the vision and gave advice on directions on how to let this advocacy group hit the ground running .” Fatile said,

“In Africa today, we know that Nigerian military is number one and doing well in the  fight against insurgency.

We are to collaborate with them using our prayer and support to boost their efforts and recognize the tremendous work they are doing.

AMB Mary Abayomi Fatile prayed to God to grant the Wife Children and entire family the Grace to bear the irreparable loss..