Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja Dies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced with deep sorrow the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos at the age of 56 following a period of illness.
The news of his death comes after the Tinubu administration initially denied reports of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja’s passing.
A Distinguished Military Journey
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja began his remarkable military career in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Commissioned on September 19, 1992, as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, he was a graduate of the 39th Regular Course. Over three decades of dedicated service marked his journey to becoming the Chief of Army Staff, a position he assumed on June 19, 2023, under President Tinubu’s appointment.
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Roles in Nigeria’s Internal Security and Strategic Operations
Throughout his military service, Lt. General Lagbaja exhibited outstanding leadership in various critical assignments, serving in notable capacities:
- 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion: as Platoon Commander.
- Operation ZAKI: Providing security in Benue State.
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- Operation Lafiya Dole: Contributing to anti-terrorism efforts in Borno State.
- Operation Udoka: Engaging in security operations across Southeast Nigeria.
- Operation Forest Sanity: Ensuring stability in Kaduna and Niger States.
An esteemed alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to advanced military leadership and strategic insights.
A Personal Loss to Family and Nation
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the Nigerian Armed Forces, paying tribute to Lt. General Lagbaja’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, echoed the nation’s grief, honouring Lt. General Lagbaja’s lifelong contributions to Nigeria’s security and stability.
