Olufemi Oluyede, acting chief of army staff, says President Bola Tinubu did everything possible to save Taoreed Lagbaja, late chief of army staff.

Lagbaja died after battling an undisclosed ailment. He was 56.

While Lagbaja was away on medical treatment, Tinubu promoted Oluyede to the rank of lieutenant-general.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, the entire army is in a sorrowful mood after losing its leader.

“It’s (Lagbaja’s death) highly regrettable,” Oluyede said.

“I mean the country as a whole under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us today.

“But as we all know, we all belong to God and He takes when He feels necessary for him to do so.

“He was someone that gave his all to Nigeria. He was a selfless leader, very passionate about Nigeria and he led the Nigerian Army very well.

“He was courageous, he was known to be thorough and a professional to the core. So, it’s a big loss to us. And all we can say at this moment is that we pray that the good Lord will find a place for him to rest.”

The acting army chief said Lagbaja needs to be celebrated for giving his all to the country.

“I want Nigerians to actually celebrate him for the good work he did,” he said.

Oluyede prayed for the repose of the soul of the late army chief.