Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja is dead

The Nigerian government on Wednesday confirmed the death of the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

President Bola Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday mourned the death of the Army chief at age 56.

“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness,” Onanuga said.

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“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.”

Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by 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,” Onanuga said.

The presidential spokesman said Lagbaja 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.

Lagbaja is 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 their two children.