Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has passed away at the age of 56 after a period of illness. The news was confirmed on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement.
The statement, titled Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep sorrow. “President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and to the Nigerian Armed Forces in this difficult time. He honors Lagbaja’s profound contributions to the nation,” the statement said.
Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication and leadership, having served as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He also played a crucial role in national security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
With Lt. General Lagbaja’s recent illness, President Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff last Wednesday. President Tinubu officially decorated Oluyede as Lieutenant General on Tuesday, acknowledging his dedication to Nigeria’s security. “It is an honor to recognize your service and commitment to our nation’s stability and safety,” the President said.
