The sudden passing of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness, has thrown the security sector and the entire country into mourning. Lagbaja’s death comes just months after his first anniversary in office, after being appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
The recent demise of Lagbaja also highlights a tragic trend in Nigeria’s military history, as he becomes the third Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to die while in office.
Below is a look at the other Chief of Army Staff who met a similar fate.
1. Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (1968–2024)
Appointed as Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja brought over three decades of extensive military experience to the role. Known for his expertise in internal security operations, Lagbaja led key missions, including Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger states, and Operation UDO KA in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
Lagbaja’s strategic mind and operational expertise earned him respect across the armed forces and with Nigeria’s security partners. Lagbaja’s service, however, was cut short on November 5, 2024, when he succumbed to an illness in Lagos. His death was a monumental loss for the Nigerian military, as he had been promoted to lieutenant general not long ago, and had revitalised critical military operations.
2. Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru (1966–2021)
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, appointed as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, was celebrated for his distinguished service both within Nigeria and internationally. A seasoned officer, he played a vital role in peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone and served as a leading figure in Nigeria’s response to insurgency.
Attahiru’s commitment to revamping army logistics and operations marked his tenure as COAS. On May 21, 2021, Attahiru’s career and life were tragically cut short when a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350 crashed near Kaduna International Airport.
3. Maj. Gen. Joseph Akahan (1937–1968)
Maj. Gen. Joseph Akahan served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during a momentous time in Nigeria’s history. Appointed in May 1967, his tenure coincided with the onset of the Nigerian Civil War. Akahan was instrumental in strategising key military campaigns, including the sea-borne operations that led to the capture of Bonny.
His insights and tactical prowess were crucial in guiding the army’s early response to the conflict. Tragically, Akahan’s life was cut short in May 1968 when he died in a helicopter crash during active operations. His death left a notable void in the military’s leadership during a period of national strife, and his legacy endures with the Joe Akahan Barracks in Makurdi, named in his honour.
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