Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja has died.
Lagbaja, a lieutenant general, died on Tuesday in Lagos after a period of illness, a presidential statement said on Wednesday.
The statement signed by the Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that President Bola Tinubu expressed his deepest condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
“He wishes Lieutenant General Lagbaja eternal peace and honors his important contributions to the nation,” part of the statement said.
Read the full statement below:
Announcement of the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the death of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56.
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He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lieutenant General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 by President Tinubu.
His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defense Academy in 1987. On 19 September 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lieutenant General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93rd Battalion and the 72nd Special Forces Battalion.
He 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 in 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.
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Lieutenant General Lagbaja is survived by his loving wife, Mariya, and two children.
President Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lieutenant General Lagbaja eternal peace and honors his important contributions to the nation.
Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)