Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, the head of the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has expressed deep regret over his decision to secure an NDA form for his late nephew. Reflecting on the past, he revealed that if he had known the tragic fate that awaited the army chief, he would never have facilitated the application. “I regret obtaining the form for him,” Pa Tajudeen said, grappling with the shock of losing a young man he once thought of as one of his own children.

The Lagbaja family, still reeling from the loss, has raised concerns surrounding the circumstances of his death, with some alleging that his passing might be linked to a land dispute in his hometown of Ilobu, Osun State. The dispute began in 2023 when the Nigerian Army planned to establish a hospital in the region. Family members, including Pa Tajudeen and Madam Toyin, suspect that the military leader’s life may have been claimed through dark forces tied to this conflict.

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Lt. General Lagbaja, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday night in Lagos, had served Nigeria with great distinction, especially noted for his roles in significant security operations like Operation ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, and Forest Sanity. His passing, after battling an illness, was confirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. President Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the loss, praising Lagbaja for his unwavering service to the nation.

A hero of Nigeria’s military forces, Lt. General Lagbaja’s leadership was instrumental in fortifying the country’s defenses, particularly in combating terrorism and banditry. His legacy as a strategic commander and a tactical genius was echoed by former COAS Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who also paid tribute to the late general’s discipline and dedication.

The passing of the late COAS has deeply affected both his family and colleagues, with the Nigerian Army and various national leaders offering their condolences. In Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Ododo lamented the loss, calling it a devastating blow to the country at a critical moment in the fight against insecurity.