Defence Ministry condoles with Tinubu, Army, Lagbaja’s family

By Deborah Coker

The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and family of late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on his passing.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja, by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

Ogubike quoted the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle and the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana as expressing rude shock at Lagbaja’s demise.

He added, “The ministers, the management and the entire staff of the ministry commiserate and extend their heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on the transition to eternal glory of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

“The ministry also commiserates with the Nigerian Army, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the family. His death has been described 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 as our working relationship with him was commendable as he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the 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.

“May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement read in parts.