Olayiwola Matthew
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is dead.
He was 56 years old.
The announcement of his death was made by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Lagbaja passed away 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 wife, Mariya, and two children.
Onanuga said Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He said he wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.