Chief of Army Staff (COAS) that died in active Service (see list)
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, has passed away. The news was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via*X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
Lagbaja’s death makes him the third Chief of Army Staff to die while in office.
Below are COAS who died in office
1. Joseph Akahan (August 1967) – Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed just before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After a visit to the frontlines in Nsukka, he returned to his hometown of Gboko for a short rest.
Tragically, while en route back to Makurdi, the helicopter carrying him crashed, resulting in the deaths of Akahan and the two pilots on board.
2. Attahiru Ibrahim (May 21, 2021)
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), tragically passed away on the evening of May 21, 2021, when the Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350 he was traveling in crashed during an official trip to Kaduna. Attahiru was en route to attend the Passing Out Parade of the 80th Regular Recruit Intake (80RRI) at the Depot Nigerian Army scheduled for May 22, 2021.
The crash claimed the lives of Attahiru and all 10 individuals aboard the flight.
Appointed in January 2021, Lt. Gen. Attahiru had taken over the position of COAS from Tukur Buratai, but his tenure was tragically cut short just months into his service.
3. Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a legacy of distinguished service in the Nigerian Army.
Throughout his career, Lagbaja held key command positions in various high-profile military operations. These included Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Operation ZAKI. He also played significant roles in national security efforts such as the Internal Security Operations in Benue, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and the Internal Security Operation in the South East.
A seasoned military leader, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja began his career as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, where he demonstrated exceptional tactical skill and leadership.
His military acumen was further sharpened through his education at the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and service to his country.
