Flags to flown at half-mast as Nigeria mourns Lagbaja

6th November 2024

President Bola Tinubu gave the directed on Wednesday in respect of the late Army chief, who was appointed by this administration on 19 June 2023 and was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

In a statement on Wednesday from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

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The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and it minister of state, Bello Matawalle, have also commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

The late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, died at the age of 56.