No record of his life prior to the year AD 16 exists. In this year Giddianhi, leader of the band of Gadianton robbers at the time, sent Lachoneus a letter demanding that the Nephites surrender or be destroyed. Lachoneus rejected the demands and began preparations for war. He commanded his people to gather together in one place and there build fortifications against the robbers, appointed captains including Gidgiddoni, "great commander all the armies of the Nephites," and preached repentance (3 Nephi3). The people accepted his leadership and counsel, and the Nephites were eventually victorious ([[s:Book of Mormon/3 Nephi#6