Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Passes Away

The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56. He died on Tuesday night.

This announcement was made on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement posted on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed deep regret over the passing of Lt. General Lagbaja, who served as Chief of Army Staff. He noted that General Lagbaja died in Lagos following an illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

Lt. General Lagbaja’s distinguished career began in 1987 when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as a member of the 39th Regular Course. His military service was marked by exemplary leadership, notably as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

Throughout his career, he played key roles in various internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeastern Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across 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 professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lt. General Lagbaja’s legacy and his remarkable contributions to the nation.