President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.
He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness. He was 56 years old.
This was disclosed in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 by President Tinubu, was a respected leader in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Born on February 28, 1968, he began his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, completing his training five years later in 1992.
Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Over his three-decade career, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja held numerous significant posts. He first served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion and later commanded various critical security operations across the nation.
Among these were Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity, an initiative that targeted criminal groups in Kaduna and Niger States.
A dedicated military scholar, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja graduated from the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
This achievement highlighted his commitment to advancing his expertise in military strategy and leadership.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extended condolences to the bereaved family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, praising the general’s distinguished service to the nation.
