Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Passes Away at 56, President Tinubu Mourns
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56, following a period of illness in Lagos. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the news in a statement.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep regret over the loss of one of the military’s highest-ranking officers.
Lt. General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and began his distinguished military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment. He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, playing pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations. These included Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
As an alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lt. General Lagbaja’s significant contributions to the nation and wishing him eternal peace.
