By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Chief Of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56, the State House announced on Wednesday morning.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Lt. General Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.
Appointed as Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, Lt. General Lagbaja had a distinguished career in the Nigerian military, marked by dedication and leadership. Born on February 28, 1968, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992, after completing the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja held key roles in various military operations critical to national security.
He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion and contributed significantly to operations including ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, which reinforced his dedication to professional excellence and leadership in the Armed Forces.
He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the family and to the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lt. General Lagbaja’s service to the nation and wishing him eternal peace.
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