Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56. He died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief period of illness. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday via the X Platform (formerly Twitter).
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja had a remarkable military career that spanned decades. Lagbaja enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992. He was part of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership. He served in several critical roles, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. His leadership was central to major internal security operations in Nigeria. They included Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
Appointment as Chief of Army Staff
On June 19, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Lt. General Lagbaja as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff. This came after his distinguished service in various military capacities, including as an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56. He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness,” the statement read.
The President extended his condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He highlighted the significant contributions the late officer made to the nation. “President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”
A legacy remembered
Lt. General Lagbaja left a wife, Mariya, and two children. His death is a profound loss to the Nigerian military and the nation at large. His career was marked by a commitment to excellence, a dedication to the security of Nigeria, and an unwavering devotion to his country.
As the nation mourns the loss of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, many will always remember his legacy of service and leadership.
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