The death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, has been confirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Lagbaja passed away at age 56.
After a period of illness, he died Tuesday night in Lagos, according to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and President Tinubu named him Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.
He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, marking the beginning of his illustrious military career. He joined the 39th Regular Course and received his appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
As a platoon commander in the 72 Special Forces Battalion and the 93 Battalion, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja showed remarkable dedication and leadership during his tenure.
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He was instrumental in many internal security operations, such as Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation ZAKI in Benue State.
He graduated with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the esteemed U.S. Army War College, proving his commitment to career advancement and superior military leadership.
The cherished wife of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, Mariya, and their two kids survive him.
“During this trying moment, President Tinubu extends his deepest sympathies to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He recognizes Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s important achievements to the country and wishes him eternal rest,” the statement continued.
