Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has assumed command as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this took place in a grand ceremony held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
During the event, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, reflected on his tenure, noting that he took office in 2021 during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency. However, he expressed satisfaction with the progress made in enhancing the nation’s security under his leadership.
General Yahaya was appointed Chief of Army Staff following the tragic death of Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, who, along with 10 other officers and men of the army, lost their lives in an air crash on May 21.
Before assuming the role of army chief, General Yahaya served as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Yahaya emphasised the importance of preserving the gains in tackling various security threats, including terrorists, bandits, and crude oil thieves. He urged the army to remain apolitical and professional, dismissing the influence of unpatriotic elements.
Taking over as the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja acknowledged the exemplary management of resources and procurement of military equipment under his predecessor. He pledged to build upon this legacy and encouraged retiring personnel to offer their invaluable experiences whenever needed.
Major General Lagbaja affirmed his commitment to leading a disciplined and professional army.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officials and heads of various army departments.
