Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Dies at 56

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos at the age of 56 following a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. He had a distinguished military career that began in 1987 when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy. 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 career, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated outstanding leadership, serving in various key positions, including as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played an instrumental role in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

A graduate of the esteemed U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional development and military excellence.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

In this moment of loss, President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He honors the late Chief of Army Staff’s remarkable contributions to the nation and prays for his eternal rest.