Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56.
His death occurred on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness, as announced by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed his deep sorrow over Lt. General Lagbaja’s passing.
“President Tinubu regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff,” Onanuga conveyed.Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja began his esteemed military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
After completing the rigorous training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course. His career was marked by a dedication to service and leadership, holding positions as a platoon commander with the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja was instrumental in numerous internal security operations.
He played critical roles in Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno State, Operation Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, he obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to military excellence and professional development.
His tenure as Chief of Army Staff, to which he was appointed on June 19, 2023, exemplified his leadership and strategic vision for the Nigerian Army.Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all who mourn his loss. He paid tribute to Lt. General Lagbaja’s significant contributions to Nigeria, honoring his memory and service.
