Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has passed away, according to an official statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The announcement stated that Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness. He was 56.
President Tinubu expressed deep condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, recognizing the general’s lifetime of dedicated service.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja began his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. By 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, marking the start of an exceptional career. Appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, Lagbaja’s legacy includes commanding roles in key operations like Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
A graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s in Strategic Studies, Lt. General Lagbaja was known for his commitment to leadership and strategic military excellence. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
“President Tinubu offers his heartfelt condolences, wishing Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoring his profound contributions to the nation,” the statement concluded.
