Chiefs of Army Staff Who Died in Office in Nigeria

Since Nigeria gained independence, the role of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has been essential in shaping the country’s military and responding to its security challenges. Tragically, three Chiefs of Army Staff have passed away while still serving, each of them leaving a legacy marked by both dedication and sacrifice.

The first was Major General Joseph Akahan, appointed in 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War. His tenure was cut short by a tragic helicopter crash as he returned from the frontlines. Akahan’s death marked an early reminder of the high stakes associated with military leadership in Nigeria.

The second was Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, who took office in January 2021, during a period of heightened security concerns. His leadership came to an abrupt end on May 21, 2021, when he and 10 others perished in a plane crash near Kaduna Airport. Attahiru’s death was deeply felt as Nigeria mourned the loss of a committed leader.

The most recent was Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, due to illness. His passing was historic as the first natural death of a sitting COAS, reminding Nigerians of the immense pressures faced by those tasked with safeguarding the nation.

Full List of Nigeria’s Chiefs of Army Staff Since Independence

1. Major General Kenneth G. Exham (1956–1959)
2. Major General Norman Foster (1959–1963)
3. Major General John Alexander Mackenzie (1963)
4. Major General Sir Christopher Welby-Everard (1963–February 1965)
5. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (February 1965–January 1966)
6. Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon (January 1966–July 1966)
7. Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Akahan (July 1966–May 1968)
8. Major General Hassan Usman Katsina (May 1968–January 1971)
9. Major General David Ejoor (January 1971–July 1975)
10. Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma (July 1975–October 1979)
11. Lieutenant General Ipoola Alani Akinrinade (October 1979–April 1980)
12. Lieutenant General Gibson Jalo (April 1980–October 1981)
13. Lieutenant General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi (October 1981–October 1983)
14. Major General Ibrahim Babangida (January 1984–August 1985)
15. Lieutenant General Sani Abacha (August 1985–August 1990)
16. Lieutenant General Salihu Ibrahim (August 1990–September 1993)
17. Lieutenant General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (September 1993–November 1993)
18. Major General Chris Alli (November 1993–August 1994)
19. Major General Alwali Kazir (August 1994–March 1996)
20. Lieutenant General Ishaya Bamaiyi (March 1996–May 1999)
21. Lieutenant General Victor Malu (May 1999–April 2001)
22. Lieutenant General Alexander Ogomudia (April 2001–June 2003)
23. Lieutenant General Martin Luther Agwai (June 2003–June 2006)
24. Lieutenant General Owoye Andrew Azazi (June 2006–May 2007)
25. Lieutenant General Luka Yusuf (June 2007–August 2008)
26. Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (August 2008–September 2010)
27. Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (September 2010–January 2014)
28. Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (January 2014–July 2015)
29. Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (July 2015–January 2021)
30. Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru (January 2021–May 2021)
31. Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya (May 2021–June 2023)
32. Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (June 2023–November 2024)
33. Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede (Acting, October 2024–Present)

This list highlights the contributions of Nigeria’s Chiefs of Army Staff who have shaped the military’s course over the decades. Each leader faced unique challenges and left their mark on Nigeria’s security landscape.

As Nigeria remembers these leaders, we honor their service and sacrifice, especially those who paid the ultimate price while in office. Their dedication to a safer Nigeria is a legacy that will endure.

SME MEDIA