The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu made every effort to save the life of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 56 due to an undisclosed illness.

In an interview on Wednesday evening with selected reporters, General Oluyede said the Nigerian Army is saddened over the loss of its leader. “His death is highly regrettable,” Oluyede said.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country did everything possible to keep him with us. He was someone who gave his all to Nigeria,” he added.

He described Lagbaja as a “selfless leader” and a man of “passionate dedication to Nigeria.” Oluyede added, “He led the Nigerian Army with courage, thoroughness, and professionalism. His loss is a profound one for us, and we pray that the good Lord will grant him rest.”