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Tag: Chief of Army Staff

  • Lagbaja did not enjoy life outside military – Family head laments

    Lagbaja did not enjoy life outside military – Family head laments

    The Head of Lagbaja Family of Ilobu kingdom, Mr Demola Lagbaja, says it is regrettable  that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, did not enjoy life outside the military.

    The family head spoke on Monday while receiving the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, Old Boys Association, who paid condolence visit to the Lagbaja family house  in Ibadan on Monday.

    He said that the expectations of the family was that their late son, would after serving his tenure, retire to enjoy the fruit of his labour.

    Lagbaja said the family had submitted to the will of God following the incident,  saying that, “some tears will never dry.”

    He noted that the late Chief of Army Staff, had all his active years in the military, having completed his A level at the Polytechnic.

    “That was our wish, which never came. What happened has happened. We have to submit to the will of God, but we are very proud of our son, for he made us proud. All we can wish him is to rest in peace,”Lagbaja said.

    The Head of Lagbaja family appreciated the association for the visit, adding that their late son had been well spoken off since his demise.

    Speaking earlier, the delegation led by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the school, Mr Sola Omopo, on behalf of members of Ibadan branch of the association, presented a condolence letter to the family.

    Omopo eulogised the deceased, saying he had done well for the school and a proud and financial member until he passed on.

    “He was building a very standard project of about N550 million for the school which is about 80 per cent completion.

    “When we heard the news, it was very shocking for all of us both in Nigeria and diaspora, hence the decision to pay a condolences visit to the family,” he said.

    The Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, died Nov. 5.

  • What Acting Chief of Army Staff said about Lagbaja’s death

    What Acting Chief of Army Staff said about Lagbaja’s death

    The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olatubosun Oluyede, on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of his predecessor Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    Oluyede, speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said Lagbaja’s death was highly regrettable.

    “I mean the country as a whole under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us  today.

    “But as we all know, we all belong to God and He takes when He feels necessary for him to do so. So, it’s on a very sober note that I am talking this moment because the entire Nigeria Army is in a sorrowful mood because we have lost our leader, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja,” said Oluyede.

    He said the late COAS gave his all to Nigeria, and was a selfless leader who was passionate about Nigeria and led the Nigeria Army very well.

    “He was courageous, he was known to be thorough and a professional to the core. So, it’s a big loss to us. And all we can say at this moment is that we pray that the good Lord will find a place for him to rest.

    “I want to enjoin Nigerians to celebrate him for the good work he did,” said Oluyede.

    Similarly, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, Minister of Defence, said the death of Lagbaja was a great loss for the country.

    He said Lagbaja was a gallant and hardworking officer, who had been in all the theatres of war, adding that he had done commendably well for the country.

    Badaru and Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed COAS.

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

    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 with Lagbaja’s demise.

    He added, ”The ministers,  the management and 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.

    Lagbaja was a courageous, loyal, dedicated officer – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    The Army chief died on Tuesday after a brief illness at the age of 56.

    Musa, in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the late army chief as a courageous, loyal and dedicated officer.

    He also conveyed his deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, family of the late Lagbaja and all Nigerians over the sad loss.

    According to him, Lagbaja was a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.

    “Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the AFN but also to the entire nation and humanity.

    “Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape,’’ he said.

    The CDS said that Lagbaja demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.

    He said that late COAS made tremendous contributions to operations such as Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, as well as Lafiya Dole, Zaman Lafiya and Hadin Kai in Borno.

    Other operations, according to him, include Zaki in Benue and UDOKA in the Southeast, amongst others.

    “His contributions to these operations reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria,’’ he added.

    Musa prayed for Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs Maria Lagbaja and his family during this period of immense grief.

    According to him, the military and the nation will deeply feel the void left by Gen. Lagbaja’s invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.

    He said that Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as army chief demonstrated his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    “His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,’’ he added.

  • ‘I thought you guys denied It’ – Nigerians react as Tinubu announces Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja’s death

    ‘I thought you guys denied It’ – Nigerians react as Tinubu announces Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja’s death

    Mixed reactions have trailed the death of the substantive Chief of Army Staff,  Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) had earlier reports that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced that Lagbaja passed away at age 56.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56,” a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, reads.

    Reacting to the passing of the army general, some Nigerians on the microblogging platform, X mocked the Tinubu administration for denying earlier reports that Lagbaja had died.

    However, some expressed their sympathy with the country and the family of the deceased.

    See some of the reactions below.

    Anita_Ayoola wrote: “Una don KPAI this Gallant Army Nawaooo…RIP D’general… Don’t forget to come and take Tinubu along.”

    uzoma_1759 wrote: “I thought you guys denied it ..but RIP to the dead.”

    TheresaTekenah – “My deepest sympathies to his family and comrades. His legacy in the military will continue to inspire many. God bless his soul.”

    f.iseh wrote: “If this is true, then why did the Army debunk it earlier? They even declared one guy wanted for this… Nigerian officials and lies.. May his soul rest in peace.”

    mz_wizzy wrote: “I thought the Army said he was “immortal”? Man was ailing but they kept lying saying it was fake news.”

    Shola wrote: “The rumours about his death have been on since last week, so this is not news.”

  • Tinubu reacts after promoting Acting Chief of Army Staff

    Tinubu reacts after promoting Acting Chief of Army Staff

    Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday promoted Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to the rank of Lieutenant General.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oluyede was promoted from Major General to the rank of Lieutenant General, following his appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff on Wednesday, 30 October 2024.

    He will be acting as Chief of Army Staff, pending the return of the substantive army chief, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on medical leave.

    Decorating Oluyede during a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said: commended the military for its unwavering courage, dedication, and patriotism in maintaining the nation’s security.

    “It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today. This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record. We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,” the President said.

    He assured the military that the government would always listen to their advice and keep the country on the path of peace and prosperity, saying, “We are facing challenges, but progress is being made”.

    The President attributed the success recorded in tackling terrorism and banditry to the “synergy’’ in the armed forces and urged the service chiefs to sustain harmony in their relationship for the betterment of the country.

    “The synergy among you has calmed the country, and we need that stability to continue. We need to assure all citizens that prosperity is not far from them,” President Tinubu stated.

    Oluyede expressed gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and to maintaining peace across the country.

    Oluyede was granted Regular Combatant Commission as second lieutenant, member of the 39 Regular Course, on Sept. 19, 1992, with seniority in the same rank effective Sept. 12, 1987.

    He participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group mission in Liberia, Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and Operation Hadin Kai in the North  East.

  • Oluyede assumes office as Acting Chief of Army Staff

    Oluyede assumes office as Acting Chief of Army Staff

    The newly appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede on Friday assumed command as the first officer to be so appointed in that capacity in the history of Nigerian Army.

    Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday appointed Oluyede as Acting COAS, pending when the substantive COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, returns from medical leave.

    Lagbaja has been away on medical leave for about a month in an undisclosed hospital abroad and said to be recuperating.

    In his remarks at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, described the appointment of Oluyede as an unusual happening in the history of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    Musa said taking over of leadership of the army by an Acting COAS was the first “because of the unusual circumstances at the moment.

    “The event today is something that is new, that has never happened in the history of the armed forces.

    “Our brother and friend went for medical check-up, and it is our prayers that he will take the time to recuperate and come back.

    “The President and I met with the authorities and decided and directed and appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff with the full power to lead the army until the President decides otherwise. But for us as professionals, we have to continue with our task ahead.

    “No doubt, based on the challenges we have in the country, and the wisdom of the President, Commander-in-Chief, that today we present the authority to the Acting Chief of Army Staff for him to have full control and command of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

    The CDS said the appointment of Oluyede is in line with the provisions enshrined in the Armed Forces Act, Cap A-20, the Laws of the Federation 2004, Parts 7 Administration, Government, and Command, Sections 18 (1-4).

    In his response, the Acting COAS thanked President Tinubu for finding him worthy to take charge of the responsibility in a peculiar and sober situation as a nation.

    Oluyede said his appointment as Acting COAS was simply the right thing to do to enable Lagbaja to take sufficient time to get necessary medical attention and recuperate.

    He pledged to play the role with full commitment in accordance with the directives of the president and the command focus of Lagbaja.

    He said “as we turn into this unique period, I request that we all continue to pray for Lt.-Gen. TA Lagbaja’s speedy recovery and safe return to complete the career cycle.

    “Furthermore, I seek everyone’s support and cooperation so that we can succeed together in ending all forms of insecurity in the country and return our beautiful country to a land of peace and economic prosperity”.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints acting Chief of Army Staff

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints acting Chief of Army Staff

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in an acting capacity.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oluyede’s appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff follows the continuous absence of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is said to be on leave.

    Rumours had emerged that Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja died of cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad. However, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu has debunked the rumours.

    Major General Nwachukwu was quoted to have said in a statement that that the COAS was on leave and also attending to his health outside the country. The Chief of Army Staff was said to be hale and hearty and that he will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.

    The appointment of Major General Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff is expected to fill the vacuum left due to the continuous absence of Lagbaja, whose current state of health is not known to the public.

    According to a statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Oluyede will act in the position of Chief of Army Staff pending the return of Lagbaja.

    Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite  Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

    The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th  Regular Course.

    Oluyede was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

    He has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

    General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

    Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

    Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

    Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children.

  • BREAKING: DHQ clarifies alleged appointment of new Chief of Army Staff

    BREAKING: DHQ clarifies alleged appointment of new Chief of Army Staff

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed no new appointment has been made in any guise to replace Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff in acting capacity. Brigadier General  Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information made the disclosure on Monday.

    Reports had emerged that Lieutenant General Lagbaja, who is said to be on annual leave, had died of cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad, therefore, leaving a vacuum in the position of the Chief of Army Staff.

    However, the Nigerian Army had refuted the reports that Lagbaja is dead, tagging the reports as fake news. Also, Gusau in a statement, refuting the alleged appointment of Acting Chief of Army Staff on Monday, insisted that Lagbaja is “currently on a well-deserved rest”.

    The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contrary to speculation by certain media outlets.

    “For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.

    “The AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitutionof the FGN.  Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.

    “The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.

    “Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.

    “Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.

    “The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The military remains focused on achieving its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity.

    “The relative peace being enjoyed today is a direct result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of the AFN leadership.

    “To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country. The CDS appreciates Nigerians for  their support and prayers. Victory is assured”.

  • Nigerian Army reacts over news of Chief of Staff’s alleged demise

    Nigerian Army reacts over news of Chief of Staff’s alleged demise

    The Nigerian Army has officially opened up over the reported demise of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports news of Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s alleged death circulated on social media on Sunday after the Chief of Army Staff left the country for leave.

    It was alleged that Lagbaja died of cancer at an undisclosed hospital abroad. However, the Nigerian Army via its official social media platforms immediately refuted the report, tagging it as fake news.

    No leadership vacuum in Nigerian Army – AHQ

    Earlier, the Nigerian Army had dismissed insinuation that there is a leadership vacuum with regards to recent personnel posting and promotion as the army Chief is on annual leave.

    In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja, the army said reacted to what they described as ‘social media stories, rumours, and innuendoes’ about happenings in the Nigerian army.

    Nwachukwu said that while some of the stories were laughable and deserve no further reference, others had bordered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.

    “Specifically, many insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and even training activities have been raised vis-a-vis the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

    “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

    “Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.

    “This is not peculiar to the army as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the claims of leadership vacuum in the army presently was a mere speculation, adding that all routine and scheduled activities of the service were on course.

    According to him, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure.

    He said that the Commander Traning and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, announced the result after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently answers for the Chief of Army Staff in his absence on leave and medical checkup abroad, in line with extant procedures.

    “Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos. This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna.

    “The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management,” he added.

    Army spokesman said it had never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers in the army contrary to the insinuation that COAS’ absence had caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise.

    He added that the appropriate departmental chiefs perform those functions routinely, adding that they were fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

    “The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.

    “Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.

    “The Army Headquarters assures Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that the COPP(A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS,” he said.

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s release will end insurgency in the Southeast – IPOB

    Nnamdi Kanu’s release will end insurgency in the Southeast – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has once again appealed to the presidency to consider releasing its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, saying his release will end insurgency in the Southeast.

    IPOB reacted to comments made by the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja over the sit-at-home order by Simon Ekpa.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the new COAS said that the Army no longer condone the sit-at-home order in the Southeast.

    The group said it’s not responsible for Mondays or failed seven-day and purported two-week sit-at-home orders and enforcement.

    A statement by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, reads: “IPOB worldwide condemns the statement credited to the Nigerian Army linking IPOB to the incessant and destructive sit-at-home orders and enforcement in the Southeast.

    “The Army chief, Gen Lagbaja Taoreed, will not claim ignorance of all the previous press releases written by IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu disassociating ourselves from Simon Ekpa and his criminal sit-at-home enforcers.

    “The reckless and abusive sit-at-home strategy is from the autopilot group led by Simon Ekpa. We have consistently made it known that Simon Ekpa and his autopilot group are not IPOB members and do not represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in their violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders.

    “If indeed the Nigeria government and her security agencies are interested in the peace of the Eastern Region, they should release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, as pronounced by the Appeal Court of Nigeria in Abuja, and see their sponsored criminal agents using Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention to perpetrate crime go into oblivion and fade away.”

  • Lagbaja assumes office as 23rd Chief of Army staff

    Lagbaja assumes office as 23rd Chief of Army staff

    The new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assumed command of Nigerian Army as the 23rd army chief with pledge to discharge responsibilities with fairness.

    Lagabaja took the baton from the 22nd Chief, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya who had been in command since May 2021.

    He said that God had made it his turn to receive the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian army, an aspiration of every combatant army officer.

    The new army chief said the Nigerian army had in the past 25 months, witnessed milestone transformation under his predecessor, Gen. Yahaya

    He said these included unprecedented procurement of equipment and prudent management of human and material resources, which Nigeria had begun to reap the dividends.

    Lagbaja thanked the former COAS for mentorship and empowering his military career.

    According to him, following the leadership style of Gen. Faruk Yahaya, repentant terrorists have been surrendering in droves like never before.

    “Currently we are witnessing more than ever before massive surrender by repentant insurgents in the North East in a manner that beats the expectation of any observer locally and internationally.

    “There is no doubt that the experience and exposure garnered under you will help in the discharge of my duties as the chief of army staff, as you transit into retirement on this glorious day.

    “I wish to assure you that I shall do everything within my power to improve on your legacy of a proficient, effective and admirable Nigerian Army,” he said.

    Lagbaja also promised to improve on the legacies of his predecessors of a proficient and professional Nigeria army, adding that hard work would be rewarded under his watch.

    “I promise that I shall discharge my responsibilities as COAS with fairness; merit and hard work shall be dully rewarded while appropriate measures taken to bring back in line anyone that errs,” he added.

    Earlier, the former chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yahaya said he was leaving the Nigerian Army better than he met it, adding that the army made remarkable successes in the fight against insecurity.

    He said that the adversaries are currently in disarray across all theatres of operations, and charged officers and men to maintain the tempo.

    “You must always conduct yourselves professionally in accordance with the ethics, customs and traditions,” he added.

    Yahaya said, “You must continue to make deliberate efforts to improve your performance for heightened security, especially at this time of a new administration in our growing democracy.

    “I charge you all to re-double your efforts in supporting the incoming Chief of Army Staff to achieve even greater heights.”