President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of the Army Staff, who died at the age of 56.
The sad news was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday morning by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to Onanuga, Lt. General Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His remarkable military career began when he enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Over the years, Lt. General Lagbaja held several significant roles, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He was also instrumental in key internal security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to professional development and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late officer and the Nigerian Armed Forces, offering prayers for eternal peace for Lt. General Lagbaja and acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation.