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Major shake-up imminent in Nigegian Army Following death of COAS, Lt Gen Lagbaja

 

A significant reshuffle is set to unfold within the Nigerian Army following the tragic passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Reports from Daily Trust indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to announce Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the new, substantive Chief of Army Staff, following his recent promotion.

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The appointment, however, will need to undergo Senate confirmation, with potential further adjustments within the military ranks to follow.

A senior military official, speaking anonymously due to the ongoing mourning period, confirmed that some of Oluyede’s coursemates are slated for redeployment to the Defence Headquarters.

He further clarified that while none of the officers from the 39th Regular Course (RC) would be forced into retirement, some may be reassigned to serve in military institutions.

The majority of officers from the 38th RC, who had previously retired after the appointments of Gen. Lagbaja and other service chiefs, have made way for a new generation of leaders.

In the wake of Gen. Lagbaja’s death, President Tinubu, alongside the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, governors, and other prominent figures, joined in mourning the loss of the military leader.

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As a mark of respect, the president postponed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday. According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the meeting was rescheduled in honor of Gen. Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday night after a brief illness.

The decision to cancel the meeting was communicated just as Vice President Kashim Shettima and other cabinet members were preparing to convene.

In a statement, President Tinubu expressed his deep sorrow over Lagbaja’s passing, extending condolences to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. Gen. Lagbaja, who leaves behind his wife Mariya and two children, was hailed for his immense contributions to both the military and the nation.

President Tinubu had only recently promoted Olufemi Oluyede to the rank of Lieutenant General, following his appointment as acting Chief of Army Staff just days before. Lt.-Gen. Oluyede officially assumed the leadership of the Nigerian Army last Friday, a transition that marked a shift in the military’s leadership dynamics. Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, noted that the acting COAS role was an unprecedented move in military tradition.

The Senate President, Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also paid tribute to the late army chief. Akpabio described Gen. Lagbaja as an exemplary officer, whose experience was critical in the fight against insecurity in the country. Jibrin highlighted the late COAS’s honorable service and his pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s military strategy.

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Other leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and governors from across the country, also mourned his passing.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised Lagbaja’s tireless efforts to safeguard the nation’s security. Governors from the Northern States Governors’ Forum, led by Gombe State’s Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, also expressed their condolences, echoing sentiments of loss and admiration for the late army chief.

In a heartfelt message, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum described Lagbaja’s death as a significant loss, noting his commitment to military excellence. Osun State’s Governor Ademola Adeleke lamented the tragedy as a “huge misfortune.”

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo urged the leadership of the Nigerian Army to carry forward Lagbaja’s vision of a secure Nigeria, pledging continued support for the military’s mission.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also joined in the national mourning, praising Gen. Lagbaja as a patriot whose service to the country was marked by dedication, professionalism, and integrity.

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As Nigeria grapples with the loss of a key military figure, attention now turns to the future of the Nigerian Army and how the leadership transition will shape the country’s security landscape.

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Nigerian troops decimate Boko Haram fighters, capture suspected terror collaborator

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Nigerian troops decimate Boko Haram fighters, capture suspected terror collaborator

On February 17, 2025, Nigerian Army troops in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State carried out a daring operation that resulted in the successful neutralisation of 10 Boko Haram members and the seizure of a sizable arsenal of weapons in an attempt to quell insurgency.

The troops’ overwhelming weaponry overpowered the terrorists during the attack, which targeted a well-known Boko Haram stronghold in the Iza woodland.

Ten terrorists were killed during the operation, while the others were left in ruins. Two AK-47 weapons and two loaded magazines were found in the aftermath.

In addition, a significant terror collaborator—known for extorting ransom on behalf of various terrorist and bandit groups—was captured.

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Elsewhere, in a separate operation in Tunfa village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops carried out a successful ambush based on credible intelligence. They neutralized a bandit and apprehended a high-value suspect tied to the notorious Sani Black terrorist faction.

The captured suspect provided vital information that led to a raid on Tunga village, a bandit hideout dealing in stolen cattle. Several bandits were arrested, and all bandit infrastructure in the area was dismantled.

Furthermore, troops in Sokoto State acted on human intelligence to arrest a suspected terrorist at Illela Market in Illela Local Government Area.

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, commended the troops for their exceptional efforts and operational precision.

He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminal activity across the nation. He also urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to bolster the military’s ongoing efforts.

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208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination

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208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination

The Nigerian Army on Sunday commenced the 2025 Lt. to Capt. practical promotion examination, with 208 candidates participating in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long examination is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Addressing the candidates, the President of the Examination Board, Commander, TRADOC , Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe,. charged them to focus fully on the important task ahead.

He said, “The examination aims to evaluate the officers’ proficiency in various aspects of the military profession, including command ability, tactical employment, and physical fitness.”

Aligbe also emphasised the importance of the examination, stating that it was a critical milestone in the officers’ careers.

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He urged the candidates to remain focused, intuitive, and confident in their abilities, assuring them that the examination board was committed to transparency and fairness.

Aligbe disclosed that subjects to cover during the examination include tactics and low intensity conflicts, map reading, communication and skills at arms proficiency test.

Others are driving and maintenance, administration in the field, French language and physical fitness test.
Aligbe said: “Candidates are required to score a minimum of 50 per cent in all the subjects, with a minimum aggregate score of 60 per cent overall score to pass the examination.

“Let me remind you that Army Headquarters policy allows a maximum of three attempts for any candidate to pass this examination.

“I urge you all, particularly the candidates on their second attempt, to put in your best in order to obtain the minimum marks required to earn a pass.
“Be confident in yourselves and do not be discouraged.

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“Just be focused and I assure you that if you give your best, you will pass the examination.”

According to the commander, to ensure the integrity of the examination, the Nigerian Army has put in place strict security measures, including video coverage and invigilation by experienced officers.

“The top-performing officers will be rewarded with Certificates of Excellence and Letters of Commendation, as well as cash gifts.

“We shall, in the conduct of this examination, be guided by good conscience and the extant provisions of the NA Charter r Promotion Examinations (Revised) September 2022, “he said.

Aligbe added that there was no need to be pessimistic or contemplate failure, adding, “this is if you have prepared well for this examination.

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“In fact, our desire is to see all of you pass this examination.

“On our part, I assure you of our determination to carry out a meticulous and painstaking assessment of your performances and accurate recording of your marks.

“We shall be firm, but fair to all of you and will not tolerate any actions that would jeopardize the integrity of the process.”

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding ,(GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, urged the candidates to put in their best in passing the examination with all sense of integrity.

Saraso appreciated the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the division to host the promotion.

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He urged the candidates to take the examination seriously as it was a critical milestone to their progression career in the army.(NAN)

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BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane

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BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane

During airborne training in Kaduna State, Nigerian Army Brig. Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu made history on Wednesday by becoming the second person in the Nigerian Army to ever execute such a daring jump from a moving plane.

He accomplished this feat by making a spectacular leap from a moving aircraft and landing with the help of a parachute.

“The General has in a remarkable display of leadership and bravery, achieved a historic airborne feat, matching the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General KTJ Minimah.

”As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Lt Gen Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.

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“Brig Gen Aliyu’s jump was more than just a personal achievement; it demonstrated his commitment to the future of the Nigerian Army. He was not alone in this feat, as cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) joined him, marking their first parachute jump and the beginning of their careers as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“By leading from the front, Brig Gen Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s enduring ethos: “No guts, no glory.” This moment was not just an airborne jump, but a lesson in leadership. For the cadets who jumped alongside him, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.

“Brig Gen Aliyu’s action embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, where leaders do not just issue orders, but share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead. As the Nigerian Army continues to shape its future leaders, Brig Gen AS Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as a lasting inspiration, reminding them that leadership is about stepping forward, into the unknown, with those who will one day take up the mantle, the Nigerian Army told journalists.

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