The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
Onanuga in a statement confirmed that Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces during this period of grief,” Onanuga said.
The statement reads in part, “We honor Lt. General Lagbaja’s legacy and pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace.”
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who served our nation with dedication and distinction.
“We mourn the loss of a true patriot who committed his life to safeguarding the security of our country.”
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja had a distinguished military career that spanned decades. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Known for his exceptional service, he held various roles, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja played critical roles in major security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
President Tinubu, who appointed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, praised his commitment to national security and professional excellence.
“He dedicated his life to protecting Nigeria and made significant contributions to our armed forces,” the President noted.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s academic achievements were also noteworthy. A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to advancing military leadership and strategic thinking.
