By Sunday Apah
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. His death occurred on Tuesday night.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared the news on Wednesday via a statement on the X Platform, formerly known as Twitter.
In the statement, Onanuga conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep sadness over the loss: “It is with great regret that I announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”
Lt. General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and was appointed to his position on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, culminating in his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, he exhibited remarkable leadership and dedication, holding key roles as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He was instrumental 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 earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment 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 the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this challenging time, wishing Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoring his significant contributions to the country.
