The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, initially scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, was postponed following the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.
His death occurred on the night of November 5, 2024, and as a mark of respect, President Bola Tinubu announced the rescheduling of the FEC meeting to a later date. The exact date for the rescheduled meeting will be announced in due course.
General Lagbaja’s death had a profound impact not just within the military community but across the entire nation.
As the 27th Chief of Army Staff, his passing marked the loss of a highly respected and experienced military leader.
He had served in this role for less than five months, having been appointed on June 19, 2023. His leadership was seen as pivotal in overseeing several major military operations aimed at securing Nigeria from internal and external security threats.
The decision to postpone the FEC meeting was also a reflection of the nation’s collective mourning, as General Lagbaja was a key figure in the country’s security apparatus.
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His contributions in leading military operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States highlighted his deep involvement in safeguarding the nation’s security. These operations targeted various security challenges, from insurgency and terrorism to armed banditry and other criminal activities.
President Tinubu’s order for flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days further underscores the nation’s respect for the fallen officer.
Additionally, the heartfelt condolences conveyed to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces reflect the deep sense of loss within the country.
General Lagbaja’s military career spanned several decades. He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, later commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1992.
He held several significant posts, including as a platoon commander in the 93rd Battalion and 72nd Special Forces Battalion, before ascending to the highest military office in the land. His death has left a significant void in the Nigerian military leadership.
