President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff.
The army chief died in Lagos on Tuesday after a brief illness at age 56.
Spokesman of President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement on Wednesday.
Born in Ilobu, Osun State, 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.
The President had earlier appointed Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff.
Oluyede was to act in the position pending the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.
Oluyede was decorated with the new rank of Lt. Gen on Monday.
