Nigeria Mourns the Loss of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

In a somber announcement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. Lagbaja was 56 years old and had been appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.

A Distinguished Military Career

Lagbaja’s remarkable military career spanned over three decades, beginning in 1987 when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992. Throughout his service, Lagbaja held significant roles, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He was instrumental in several critical internal security operations across the country, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

A Committed Advocate for Professional Development

Lagbaja was an alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. This underscores his dedication to excellence in military leadership. He also attended the Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping Wing at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji and the ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course in Bamako, Mali.

Personal Life and Legacy

Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lagbaja’s legacy and his lifelong commitment to the nation. Lagbaja’s contributions to Nigeria’s military will be remembered and celebrated.