Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, Passes Away

Nigeria mourns the loss of Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, whose passing has sent shockwaves through the military and the nation. Learn more about his life, service, and legacy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has confirmed the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff.

Lt. General Lagbaja, aged 56, passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.

A statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, provided details of his death.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

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His illustrious military career commenced with his enrollment in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his distinguished service, Lt. General Lagbaja exhibited remarkable leadership and dedication, serving as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He was instrumental in various internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the esteemed U.S. Army War College, he obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to professional development and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this challenging time, wishing Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and recognizing his significant contributions to the nation.