JUST IN: Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, is Dead

The Presidency has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff. He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness. He was 56 years old.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss, offering condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“President Tinubu extends his heartfelt sympathy to the family of the late General Lagbaja and to the Nigerian military at large. He prays for eternal peace for the departed soul, recognizing the immense contributions of the late officer to the security of the nation,” the statement read.

A Distinguished Career

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja’s military career spanned over three decades. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. Lagbaja had a distinguished tenure, rising through the ranks after enrolling at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his career, Lagbaja served in various critical roles, including as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion. He also played an integral role in key security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to excellence in military leadership.

Remembering His Legacy

Lt. General Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and two children. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s defense and his leadership within the armed forces.

The Presidency, through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has assured that the legacy of Lt. General Lagbaja’s service will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerian military personnel.