The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, officially assumed his role as the 23rd Army Chief. Taking over from Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd), the 22nd Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja expressed his commitment to carrying out his responsibilities with fairness and equity.
The appointment of Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff came as part of a significant overhaul of the nation’s security services, which involved the replacement of the former Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, by President Bola Tinubu. Lagbaja, who acknowledged the achievements of his predecessors, pledged to build upon their legacies, aiming for a proficient and professional Nigerian Army.
Emphasizing the value of hard work, Lagbaja affirmed that dedication and diligence would be recognized and rewarded under his leadership. Reflecting on his tenure, Lt. General Yahaya, the immediate-past Chief of Army Staff, expressed satisfaction in leaving the Nigerian Army in an improved state compared to when he assumed the position.
