Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, has paid a condolence visit to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja, aged 56, passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following a brief illness. The visit, accompanied by senior military officials, including Principal Staff Officers, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army, took place at the Flag Staff House in Niger Barracks, Abuja.

A statement from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed that Oluyede conveyed the Nigerian Army’s deep sympathy, expressing the respect and admiration the army held for Lagbaja’s service, calling him a “dogged, gallant, and extremely dedicated leader.”

Oluyede highlighted Lagbaja’s lasting contributions to the Armed Forces, noting that he embodied commitment and courage in his service to Nigeria.

Oluyede stated, “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility, that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, commiserate with Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, the children, and the entire Lagbaja clan over the passing of our dogged, gallant, and extremely dedicated leader, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja… This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind.”

General Oluyede’s visit follows his recent appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.