Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu reveals how Chief of Army Staff died

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has revealed the details surrounding the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away at the age of 56.

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

“Lt. General Lagbaja’s passing marks the end of an era for the Nigerian military, and his death comes as a deep loss to the Armed Forces and the nation,” President Tinubu said.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023. His distinguished military career began in 1987 when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on September 19, 1992, and went on to serve in various capacities, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

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

The Chief of Army Staff is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

In his statement, President Tinubu expressed heartfelt condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his contributions to the nation’s security. He described the late General’s death as a significant loss, while wishing him eternal peace.