President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced with deep sorrow the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff. General Lagbaja, aged 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness, as stated by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
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Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja embarked on his military career in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as a member of the 39th Regular Course. On June 19, 2023, he was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu.
Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja showcased exemplary dedication, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He led key internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, he held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to excellence and growth in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lt. General Lagbaja’s impactful service to the nation and praying for his eternal peace.
