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

Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, is dead at the age of 56.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, announced the death on Wednesday.

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Lt. General Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

His distinguished military career began when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played key roles in numerous 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 prestigious U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his dedication to professional development and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, expressing his wishes for Lt. General Lagbaja’s eternal peace while honoring his significant contributions to the nation.