President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief, has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56. The announcement was made through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. General Lagbaja passed away in Lagos on Tuesday night after battling an illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed to lead the Nigerian Army by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. His distinguished service to the country began in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy. 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 career, Lt. General Lagbaja was recognized for his leadership and dedication. He served in key roles, including as platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played significant roles in major internal security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional growth and military excellence.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the family and to the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring General Lagbaja’s lifelong dedication to the nation. The President expressed wishes for his peaceful rest and recognized his valuable contributions to Nigeria’s security and defense.
