The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead. Bayo Onanuga, the special Adviser to the President on Information and strategy in a statement confirmed this.
In the statement titled ‘Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,’ Onanuga said Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“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 honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.
Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023 by Tinubu
The Presidency noted that he played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja contributed significantly to key internal security operations. He served as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, and played essential roles in operations that included Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States. His operational expertise and strategic vision helped shape Nigeria’s military response to numerous security challenges.
Lt. General Lagbaja was committed to academic excellence. He earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and all who had the privilege of knowing Lt. General Lagbaja, noting the immense void his passing leaves in the nation’s military leadership.