President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, who died at 56 years old.
Previous reports had it , According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu had appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff due to the temporary indisposition of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
Now, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, has passed away Tuesday night in Lagos at 56, following a prolonged illness.
“Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was a renowned Nigerian Army officer, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State.
His impressive military career spanned over three decades, beginning with his enrollment in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
Throughout his service, Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion . He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI_ in Benue State, _Lafiya Dole_ in Borno, Udoka_ in Southeast Nigeria Operation Forest Sanity_ across Kaduna and Niger States .
Lagbaja was an alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, showcasing his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership .He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Sadly, Lt. General Lagbaja passed away, leaving behind his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lagbaja’s significant contributions to the nation.