By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56.
He died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
In a statement, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He paid tribute to the late chief’s great contributions to the nation’s security and expressed his deep gratitude for his service.
“The nation has lost a true patriot and leader,” President Tinubu said. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Lt. General Lagbaja’s career spanned over three decades of distinguished service to the Nigerian Army.
He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Prior to his elevation, Lagbaja held various key military positions, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) of both the 82 and 1 Divisions, overseeing critical operations and security efforts across the country.
A product of the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he enlisted in 1987, Lt. General Lagbaja was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992. Over the years, his leadership skill saw him rise through the ranks, contributing significantly to major internal security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
Adding to his remarkable military career, Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the prestigious U.S. Army War College, further enhancing his expertise in military leadership. He was also a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy and attended various specialized military training programs both locally and abroad, including the ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course in Mali and the Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping.
A highly decorated officer, Lt. General Lagbaja’s list of honours includes the Nigerian Army Medal, Grand Service Star, and Field Command Medal of Honour, among numerous others.
The late Chief of Army Staff is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
Source: PM News
