President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who died at the age of 56 on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.
The announcement was made through a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President for Information and Strategy. President Tinubu appointed Lagbaja to the position of Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja’s military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, where he later graduated as a member of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a reputation for exceptional leadership and commitment, notably serving as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played key roles in several internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An esteemed alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, he held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his dedication to professional development and military excellence.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his significant contributions to the nation and wishing him eternal peace.
