3 COAS Who Died While in Office

Nigeria’s military has faced several challenging moments in its history, and the sudden loss of its top commanders is one of the most somber. With the recent death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who served as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigeria is again reminded of the weight of this role and the sacrifices made by those who hold it. 

This marks the third time that a Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria has died while in office, leaving a profound impact on the nation’s leadership and morale. Here is a closer look at the three Chiefs of Army Staff who tragically passed away while serving

Taoreed Lagbaja (November 5, 2024)

Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, an experienced military officer and alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, was appointed as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu. 

Lagbaja’s career was marked by several key roles in critical security operations across Nigeria, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States. His leadership skills and strategic insight were evident in his handling of these complex operations.

Lagbaja’s tenure as COAS was cut short on November 5, 2024, when he passed away in Lagos after a brief illness. His death came as a surprise to the nation, as he had been in office for less than a year. 

According to a statement from Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Lagbaja had been confirmed indisposed for several weeks before his death. His passing left the military and the nation mourning yet another leader who served with dedication and commitment.

Following his death, President Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede, Lagbaja’s classmate from the Nigerian Defence Academy, as the new Chief of Army Staff. The swift transition underscores the resilience and continuity of leadership within Nigeria’s military, even in the face of loss.

Ibrahim Attahiru (May 21, 2021)

Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru took the reins as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff in January 2021, following a growing demand for fresh leadership amid the country’s pressing security challenges. He was appointed by then-President Muhammadu Buhari as part of a broader overhaul that included new appointments in key military roles. 

His tenure began with high expectations, as Nigeria faced increasing threats from insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings.

Just a few months into his role, Attahiru faced the daunting task of managing these security concerns. However, on May 21, 2021, while on an official assignment from Abuja to Kaduna, tragedy struck. The aircraft carrying Attahiru and ten other military personnel encountered severe weather conditions and crashed. The crash killed everyone onboard, sending shockwaves throughout the nation and marking one of the darkest days in recent Nigerian military history.

Joseph Akahan (August 1967)

Joseph Akahan became Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff at the young age of 30, just before the eruption of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. A determined and passionate leader, he was appointed to guide the Nigerian Army during one of the most turbulent times in the country’s history. 

His leadership coincided with the intense regional and ethnic tensions that eventually led to the devastating three-year conflict.

Shortly after his appointment, Akahan embarked on a visit to the frontlines in Nsukka, seeking to understand the situation on the ground and support his troops. After this demanding tour, he returned to his hometown of Gboko for a brief rest, aiming to rejuvenate before returning to his command duties.

However, tragedy struck when Akahan resumed his journey back to the military base in Makurdi. The helicopter he was traveling in crashed, killing him and the two pilots onboard. This unexpected accident not only robbed Nigeria of a dedicated leader but also highlighted the risks faced by military personnel, even in transit. Akahan’s death was a massive blow to the military during a critical time, leaving a gap in leadership during one of Nigeria’s darkest periods.