Nigeria News

Full list of Chief of Army Staff who died in office

Nigeria is mourning the unexpected passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday in Lagos following a brief illness.

His death, just a year after his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, represents a significant loss for Nigeria’s military leadership.

Lagbaja’s passing marks the third instance of a Chief of Army Staff dying in office, underscoring a history of tragic losses within the nation’s top military ranks.

Previous Chiefs of Army Staff Who Died in Office:

Joseph Akahan (August 1967)


Appointed at 30 years old, Joseph Akahan led the Army during the Nigerian Civil War. After a frontline visit in Nsukka, he tragically perished when his helicopter crashed en route to Makurdi, killing him and two pilots.

Ibrahim Attahiru (May 21, 2021)


Appointed in January 2021, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru replaced Tukur Buratai amid security challenges. Sadly, he and ten others died in a plane crash while en route from Abuja to Kaduna on official duty.

Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)


An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Army in 1992 and led several critical internal security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue and Lafiya Dole in Borno. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023. His passing was confirmed by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. He has been succeeded by Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, his classmate at the Defence Academy.

Agbenu James

Recent Posts

Gov Alia mourns death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja

Governor Hyacinth Alia, expresses deep sadness over the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,…

4 hours ago

CNN finally projects Trump winner of US presidential election

CNN has officially projected Donald Trump as the winner of the US presidential election, marking…

7 hours ago

US Election: Dollar, Bitcoin hit new all-time high as Trump gains ground

The US dollar hit a record high on Wednesday, while Bitcoin also saw a significant…

8 hours ago

US Election: Cardi B voices concern over Trump’s victory, supports Kamala Harris

American singer Cardi B has expressed concern following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S.…

8 hours ago

US Election: Trump calls Elon Musk “super genius” for saving lives with Starlink

Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has praised tech billionaire…

8 hours ago

Jubilant Trump supporters rejoice in Florida as election results roll in

Jubilant supporters cheered and danced as Donald Trump declared victory in the US presidential race…

8 hours ago