Chief Of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja Is Dead

Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, died at the age of 56.

According to a statement from Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, he died on Tuesday night, November 5, in Lagos, following an illness.

Lt. General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.

His distinguished military career began in 1987, when he enlisted at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Lt. General Lagbaja displayed great leadership and devotion while serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He played critical roles in a number of internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

He graduated from the famous US Army War College with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, exhibiting his commitment to professional development and competence in military leadership.

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

President Tinubu issued a statement expressing his sincere sympathies to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult period. He wishes Lieutenant General Lagbaja eternal rest and recognizes his enormous services to the nation.

May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli