BREAKING: CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, TAOREED LAGBAJA IS DEAD
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56. He died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. His death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian military and the nation.
In a statement released by the State House and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, and served in this capacity until his untimely passing.
Born on February 28, 1968, in Nigeria, Lt. General Lagbaja had a distinguished military career spanning decades. He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
Throughout his service, General Lagbaja held several key positions, including as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He also played a significant role in multiple high-profile military operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. His leadership and commitment to national security were widely recognized, and he was highly regarded for his strategic insights and operational effectiveness.
In his tribute, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late army chief, his wife Mariya, and their two children. The President also extended his sympathies to the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, describing General Lagbaja as a “brilliant military leader” who made significant contributions to the security of the nation.
“The late General Lagbaja’s leadership was exemplary. His commitment to the defense of Nigeria, his courage in the face of challenges, and his dedication to duty will always be remembered,” President Tinubu said.
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.