It is with deep sadness that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, announces the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56.
Lt. General Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His military career was marked by unwavering dedication and extraordinary leadership, beginning with his enrollment at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Over the years, Lt. General Lagbaja served in various key roles, including as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He was an integral part of several significant internal security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States. His leadership and strategic insight were vital in ensuring national security and peace.
An alumnus of the esteemed U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the family of Lt. General Lagbaja and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this period of loss. He prays for eternal peace for the departed general, whose service to the nation will never be forgotten.
