Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, passed away at the age of 56, the Presidency confirmed Wednesday.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, explained that Lt. General Lagbaja died in Lagos on Tuesday night following a period of illness.
Appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, Lagbaja was a prominent military leader known for his dedication and strategic insight.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja began his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a Second Lieutenant on September 19, 1992.
His career was marked by key roles in major internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
Lagbaja was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
In his statement, President Tinubu praised Lagbaja’s contributions to national security, describing him as a leader who served with honour and dedication, expressing regret and offering condolences to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
