BREAKING: Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja is Dead

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His distinguished military career began in 1987 when he enrolled in 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 service, Lt. General Lagbaja exhibited exceptional leadership, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played pivotal roles in several 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.

An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and military leadership excellence.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, offering his prayers for Lt. General Lagbaja’s eternal peace and recognizing his significant contributions to the nation.