President Tinubu announces Army Chief – DW – 11/06/2024

Nigeria’s army chief, Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who led soldiers through a critical period in the fight against Islamist extremists Boko Haram, has died, President Bola Tinubu has announced in a statement.

In a statement sent on X by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his “heartfelt condolences” to Lagbaja’s family. President Tinubu “wishes Lt General Lagbaja Eternal Peace and honors his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.

Lagbaja, who was 56, “died on Tuesday evening in Lagos after a period of illness,” the statement added.

Decisive moment in one of Africa’s longest wars for militarism

Lagbaja was appointed by Tinubu as Chief of Staff in June 2023. He had not been seen in public for almost two months. Two weeks ago, the Nigerian army denied Lagbaja’s death.

He has already been replaced by Director-General Olufemi Oluyede, whom Tinubu appointed in an acting capacity last week.

Lagbaja’s death comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to fight one of Africa’s longest wars over militancy in its northeastern region, where Boko Haram launched an insurgency 15 years ago.

The violent attacks have decreased in recent years. Still, analysts say extremists in the region have sought to recruit more fighters and consolidate their strongholds in the Lake Chad basin.

Lagbaja put discipline and professionalism in the army at the top of his agenda as he sought to redirect an institution often accused of mishandling civilians and extrajudicial killings in conflict zones.

Boko Haram Militants are terrorizing farmers in Nigeria

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JSI/RMT (AP, DW sources)