Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff Dies
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Lagbaja, aged 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness, the president’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
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 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.
President Tinubu expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, and wished the deceased eternal peace.
The President had on Tuesday promoted acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to Lieutenant General.
Oluyede was appointed acting army chief a week ago in place of Lagbaja who was in hospital for months over undisclosed illness.
