In a sad announcement on Wednesday, the Nigerian government confirmed the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, at the age of 56. He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, shared the news on X Platform (formerly Twitter), conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep sorrow over the loss.
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff in June 2023. He had a remarkable career in the Nigerian Army, beginning in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy and rising through the ranks to command various significant operations across the country.
His leadership played a crucial role in key internal security operations such as Operation ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, and Forest Sanity.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, remembering Lt. General Lagbaja’s invaluable contributions to the nation.
