Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, has died at the age of 56, the Presidency announced in a statement issued on Wednesday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the senior military officer, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.
“Lt. General Lagbaja’s loss is deeply felt across the nation,” President Tinubu said in the statement by Bayo Onanuga the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy
“He was a courageous and dedicated officer whose contributions to Nigeria’s security and stability were invaluable. My thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all members of our armed forces who served under his command.”
Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, marking the culmination of a distinguished career that spanned more than three decades. Born on February 28, 1968, he began his journey in the Nigerian Army at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
He rose through the ranks with a reputation for disciplined leadership and effective operational command.
Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja played critical roles in Nigeria’s security operations, including “Operation ZAKI” in Benue State, “Lafiya Dole” in Borno, “Udoka” in the Southeast, and “Operation Forest Sanity” in Kaduna and Niger States. He commanded both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, guiding his troops through challenging internal security missions.
“Lt. General Lagbaja’s sense of duty, integrity, and exemplary leadership helped shape the Nigerian Army’s response to various security threats,” the statement read.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, further underscoring his commitment to professional growth. He is remembered for his strategic vision and determination to enhance military operations in Nigeria.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his condolences to his family, stating, “We will forever remember and honour his sacrifices. May he rest in peace.” the statement concluded.
