Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s illustrious military career spanned over three decades, marked by exceptional leadership, commitment, and strategic expertise.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and graduated as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992.
He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion, playing pivotal roles in various 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’s dedication to professional growth led him to earn a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the prestigious U.S. Army War College.
President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lagbaja’s significant contributions to the nation.
