President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, at age 56. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
Lt. General Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness, was a respected military leader known for his critical role in multiple internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger. A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, he held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional development and military leadership.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja began his distinguished military career in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course, and served with exceptional dedication, including as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. 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 his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his service and significant contributions to the nation.
