Nigeria Chief Of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja Is Dead
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who died at the age of 56.
A statement from Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, revealed that Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His notable military career began in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja exhibited outstanding leadership and dedication, serving as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played crucial roles in various internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the esteemed U.S. Army War College, he obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to professional development and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this challenging time, wishing Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and recognizing his significant contributions to the nation.
