Nigeria’s Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is dead. Lagbaja died in Lagos on Tuesday night following a period of illness, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. He was aged 56.
Lagbaja’s death comes just hours after President Bola Tinubu promoted Olufemi Oluyede, the man appointed to act in Lagbaja’s stead pending the then indisposed Chief of the Army Staff’s recovery, from Major General to the rank of Lieutenant General.
The state of Lagbaja’s health had fuelled speculations, and even death rumours, especially with his absence from his duty post, but the Defence Headquarters had said then that he was abroad for medical treatment.
Announcing Lagbaja’s death, Onanuga said in the statement that the late Chief of the Army Staff, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, was born on February 28, 1968.
“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,” Onanuga said.
“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 Lagbaja played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in South-East Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
“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 beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
“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 honors his significant contributions to the nation,” he said.
