FULL LIST: Chiefs of Army Staff who died in office

As earlier reported by Diaspora Digital Media, Nigeria’s  Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead.

This was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on X on Wednesday.

Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, becomes the third Chief of Army Staff to have died in office.

Here are COAS who died in office:

1. Joseph Akahan (August 1967)

Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, was appointed shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After visiting the frontline in Nsukka, he returned to his hometown in Gboko for a brief rest.

Joseph Akahan

As he headed back to Makurdi, the helicopter carrying him crashed, claiming his life with two pilots on board.

2. Attahiru Ibrahim (May 21, 2021)

Former COAS Attahiru Ibrahim died on the evening of May 21, 2021, while he was travelling on a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350 for an official visit to Kaduna to attend the Passing out Parade of 80RRI in Depot Nigerian Army on 22 May 2021.

Ibrahim Attahiru

During the journey the plane crashed, killing Attahiru and all 10 other people on board.

Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was appointed in January 2021 to replace Tukur Buratai.

He died just months into his tenure.

3. Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)

Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 by President Tinubu.

Lagbaja held command positions in several military operations, including Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Operation ZAKI.

He was also part of the Internal Security Operation in Benue, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and Internal Security Operation in the South East.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and two children.

Who is a Chief of Army Staff?

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is the highest-ranking officer in a country’s army, overseeing its land-based military forces.

The COAS provides strategic leadership, commanding and controlling army operations, training and logistics.

Key responsibilities include advising the government on defense strategy, contributing to national security policy and decision-making.

The COAS manages military operations, directs force development and modernization, and oversees personnel administration, training and welfare.

Additional responsibilities include budget management, interagency coordination and public engagement.

Typically the most senior army officer, the COAS possesses extensive military experience, strategic thinking and leadership skills, remaining impartial and non-partisan.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook