From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has said that the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, lived for Nigeria and Nigerians throughout his service in the Nigerian Army.

Oluyede, who described Lagbaja as fearless, selfless and passionate in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges bedeviling the country, said that Lagbaja dedicated his life to the service of his fatherland.

The army Chief made this known when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Army, during a condolence visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Oluyede, who described Lagbaja’s passing as a great loss to the country, said “I would like to describe him as a rare germ because he lived for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“He was somebody that was celebrated by Nigeria and he has been recognised by all.

“For us in the Nigerian army, we shall celebrate him till eternity, because he has left enduring legacies behind.”

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He expressed sadness over the passing of Lagbaja and promised to sustain his legacies by ensuring that operations were rejigged to curb the insecurity across the country.

“I want to assure this team that my team and I, having been part of the Nigerian Army structure, will do everything best possible to continue these strides and ensure that we make Nigeria safe,” he added.

Earlier in his address, chairman of the committee, Aminu Balele, said the legislators were at army Headquarters to console the Nigerian Army on the loss of Lagbaja.

Belele gave assurance that the committee would continue to support the army to sustain the legacy of Lagbaja to make Nigeria better.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of the Acting COAS to tackle the security challenges in the country.

“We will do our best to support the army and the family of Lagbaja as representatives of the people.”