The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has passed away, according to reliable sources within the government. The top military officer succumbed to stage three cancer nearly 48 hours ago at an undisclosed hospital overseas, bringing an end to his battle with the illness. His death has remained confidential, with reports suggesting that intense lobbying among top military officers for his replacement contributed to the secrecy.
Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Lagbaja had a distinguished military career spanning decades. He was appointed as the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Nigerian Army and strengthen its operations, especially in the fight against insurgency and insecurity across the nation.
While the military leadership now grapples with the reality of his demise, internal discussions about succession have reportedly heightened, with several top generals positioning themselves for the coveted role of Chief of Army Staff.
The death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja marks a significant moment for the Nigerian military, which has seen several high-profile transitions in recent years. As the nation mourns his passing, attention will soon shift to the next steps in filling the vacuum created by his untimely departure.
Recall that Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, was reportedly incapacitated while receiving medical attention abroad, leading to a scramble within the military hierarchy as generals are now lobbying and positioning themselves for the top job.
Multiple sources within the army have disclosed that the COAS has been out of the country for several weeks, during which time various senior officers have become emboldened to seek his position, should there be a need for succession.
The specific details surrounding Lt Gen Lagbaja’s health remained unclear, but the situation has created a power vacuum within the army's leadership. The absence of a clear command figure was reportedly sparked quiet maneuvering by top military officers, who are using their political connections and influence within the military to prepare for the potential vacancy.
Several top officers were said to be lobbying key political figures and senior officials in the government, hoping to be favored for the top army position in case Lagbaja cannot resume his duties. These internal moves, while not unusual in the military’s history, have heightened concerns over the possible instability in leadership at a time when the Nigerian Army is facing significant security challenges across multiple fronts, including insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations.
The Nigerian Army was yet to issue an official statement on the health status of Lt Gen Lagbaja or the reported internal jostling within the military hierarchy. However, sources indicate that discussions about succession are being held discreetly at the highest levels of the military and government.
This development comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s security landscape. Lt Gen Lagbaja, who took over the army’s leadership in June 2023, has been actively involved in various military operations aimed at quelling insecurity across the country. His absence has left many wondering about the continuity of these efforts and the potential impact of a leadership transition on ongoing operations.
