Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement, confirmed that the senior military officer died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Lt. General Lagbaja, who was born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. His appointment was the latest milestone in a distinguished military career that began in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the academy’s 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja served with unwavering dedication in key roles within the Nigerian Armed Forces. He commanded platoons in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion and was instrumental in internal security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and his leadership in Nigeria’s defense sector. His contribution to the nation’s security efforts earned him widespread respect and recognition.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lagbaja’s service and dedication.
