President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, has announced the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, at the age of 56.
According to a statement from the Presidency, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
His military career began in 1987 when he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Known for his dedication and leadership, Lt. General Lagbaja served as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played key roles in several internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, he held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to military expertise and professional growth.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his substantial contributions to the country and wishing him eternal rest, Onanuga added on behalf of the Presidency.
