Security Agencies In Ondo State Commiserate With Nigerian Army

Security Agencies In Ondo State Commiserate With Nigerian Army

Following the unfortunate demise of Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, NAM, security agencies in Ondo State, on Friday 8 November 2024, converged at the Headquarters (HQ), 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, to condole with the Nigerian Army (NA).

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, who received the team, noted that the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), is deeply touched by the unfortunate incident; while appreciating the delegates for finding time to visit and sympathize with the NA. “I want to deeply appreciate you for your presence here as a team; and for coming together at this time of National mourning to commensurate with the NA over the death of one of its true and exemplary leaders.”

He further appreciated all security agencies and well meaning Nigerians who have continued to visit the family of the deceased; adding that the late COAS was a man who was all embracing and deeply respected across security fora within Nigeria. He noted that Lieutenant General Lagbaja magnanimously supported all operational, logistics and administrative requests made to him towards building an army capable of defending the nation from all adversaries.

“He was a gallant soldier, and one of the rare Chiefs of Army Staff found to be ever willing to go out and join his troops in the heat of battle; always motivating them towards attaining victory”, he added. The GOC, also urged troops of 2 Division and the NA to emulate the leadership style and legacies of the late COAS. He said, “the task for us remains the same; and that is putting in our best to ensure security of 2 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) and the nation at large.

These remain our topmost priorities. By God’s grace, and under the leadership of the Acting COAS Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, we shall ensure that the ideals that late General Lagbaja stood for are kept alive. He will be fondly remembered as very versatile and knowledgeable Army Chief who led the NA to attaining countless victories. May his gentle soul rest in peace with God”, he concluded.

The Commissioner of Police (COMPOL), Ondo State Command, Abayomi Peter, who led the heads of other security agencies in the state for the visit, lamented the unfortunate death of Lieutenant General Lagbaja. He said the visit was to condole with the NA as well as share in the pains of loosing a great leader.

“We were deeply touched on hearing the news of his demise. I was moved to tears watching a video making rounds in the social media where he visited troops in the front line, motivating them to fight on”, the CP added. He noted that the late warrior, will forever be remembered for the great and several impacts he made in sustaining security across the nation.

Heads of Sister services and other security agencies in the state who accompanied the CP were; the Commander, Naval Base Igbokoda, Navy Captain A Usman, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ibiloye Joshua Oluyemi, and Comptroller of Immigration, AW Akinrisola. Others are, representative of Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Deputy Commandant of Corps, Akinwumi A, and State Comptroller of Corrections, Jide Agboji. They all took turns to endorse the condolence register in honour of the deceased Army Chief.