BREAKING: Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, passes away at 56

In a solemn announcement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, on Tuesday night in Lagos after an illness.

Lt. General Lagbaja, who was 56, held a distinguished career marked by exemplary leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s defense and security.

Lt. General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. His official commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps occurred on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Over his career, he served in various capacities, from platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion to leading internal security operations including Operation ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, Udoka, and Forest Sanity, addressing critical security issues across regions.

Appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, Lt. General Lagbaja was a highly respected leader and an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE Reads:

Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after 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 distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General 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, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.