The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced the postponement of its Gala and Award Night, which was initially scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024, in Abuja.
This decision was made to align with the nation’s collective mourning of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, whose contributions to Nigeria’s security and inter-agency cooperation are highly regarded.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, expressed deep condolences to the family of the late General and the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing him as a leader of immense dedication and sacrifice. The CGC highlighted the impact of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy on national security, stating that his contributions to the country are immeasurable.
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In light of this, the NCS has decided to reschedule the event to ensure that it properly honors the late General’s memory. Further details regarding the new date for the Gala and Award Night will be communicated later.
The NCS thanked all stakeholders, partners, and guests for their understanding during this time of mourning.
Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, dedicated 36 years to the Nigerian Army, having begun his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Corps in 1992, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Army Staff in June 2023. Known for his leadership in key security operations, Lagbaja commanded numerous missions, including Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State, Operation ZAKI in Benue, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and two children.
Credible News recalls that President Bola Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30.
This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, noting that Oluyede will hold sway as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who was said to be indisposed and was receiving treatment abroad.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS,” the statement read.
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