Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja dies at 56
…as Tinubu mourns passing of gallant soldier
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff. General Lagbaja passed away in Lagos on Tuesday night following a period of illness. He was 56 years old.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff was made by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
His career, marked by dedication and distinction, 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 a member of the 39th Regular Course.
General Lagbaja’s service record includes notable contributions to national security and several key internal security operations.
He served as a platoon commander with both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, playing instrumental roles in operations across Nigeria.
These included Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, General Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional growth and military leadership.
He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu expressed his profound condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring General Lagbaja’s lifetime of service. “We pray for his eternal peace and honor his significant contributions to our nation,” the President’s statement read.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 6, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
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