The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has paid a condolence visit to Hajiya Rabi Garba Duba, widow of the late Lieutenant General Garba Duba, who recently passed on 17 May 2024 at his Abuja residence in the Federal Capital Territory.
General Lagbaja who was accompanied by some top brass of the Nigerian Army (NA), paid the visit today 20 May 2024, to commiserate with the widow of the deceased, as well as other members of the family.
Speaking during the visit, the COAS described the demise of General Duba as shocking and a colossal loss, not only to the NA, but also to the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large. He extolled the virtues of the late General, describing him as a torch bearer, a disciplinarian, a mentor and a leader, who brought up most of the top brass of the NA, when he was the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
The Army Chief further asserted that his contributions to the development of the NA and the defence of the nation will remain indelible in the institutional memory of the NA. General Lagbaja assured the family of the deceased General of the NA’s support at all times whenever the need arises.
Responding on behalf of the family of the Late Lieutenant General Duba, the first son, Mohammed Sani Duba expressed appreciation to the COAS and the entire NA for the timely condolence visit and show of love observing that the ‘NA stood by their Dad throughout his life time and at his demise’.
Recall that Lieutenant General Garba Duba passed on 17 May 2024, after a brief illness. During his active service, he held numerous appointments notably, General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy and Chief of Training and Operations Defence Headquarters.
He was also one time Governor of Bauchi State from 1978 – 1979 during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo and the Administrator of Sokoto State from January 1984 – August 1985 during the military regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari.