The Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) group has expressed its heartfelt congratulations to Major General Taoreed Lagbaja on his recent appointment as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially appointed Major General Lagbaja on June 19, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army.
The selection of Lagbaja for this esteemed position did not come as a surprise to many, as it is evident that the Tinubu-led administration carefully considered his experience, professionalism, and exceptional leadership skills. The appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to formulating and executing policies that prioritize national security, operational competence of the Nigerian Army, and the preservation of the country’s territorial integrity.
Major General Lagbaja’s commendable track record in combat operations across diverse environments, including air, water, and land, has earned him a well-deserved reputation for remarkable feats in security operations. His ability to effectively handle high-volume and high-complexity incidents has been evident in his involvement in Operation HARMONY IV, the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Operation ZAKI.
Having participated in numerous significant missions such as Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/Operation UDOKA, and Operation FOREST SANITY, Lagbaja’s operational experience is extensive and varied. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, leading by example and inspiring others through his simplicity, astuteness, experience, skill, insight, creativity, and resourcefulness in every military assignment he undertakes.
Lagbaja’s appointment as the new COAS is regarded as a step in the right direction towards addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria. The PSNAFSA group and Nigerians at large eagerly anticipate his application of geographical approaches to map and analyze crime occurrences, with the ultimate goal of apprehending the root causes of violent crimes in the country.
As he assumes his new role, Major General Lagbaja has wasted no time in assembling a team of key senior Army officers to work closely with him and provide strategic guidance. It is expected that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army will chart progressive paths to tackle the prevailing security challenges. This includes fostering collaboration across services and agencies through a robust joint, interagency, and intergovernmental framework.
“We firmly believe that Major General Lagbaja’s appointment is a significant step forward in addressing insecurity in Nigeria,” stated Mrs. Mary Abayomi-Fatile, the Convener of PSNAFSA. “We have utmost confidence in his leadership abilities and expertise, and we look forward to witnessing a safer Nigeria under his guidance