In a press release from the State House, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness ¹. Lt. General Lagbaja was 56 years old.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992 ¹. He demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout his service, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. His pivotal roles in internal security operations included:
Operation ZAKI* in Benue State,Lafiya Dole in Borno,Udoka in Southeast Nigeria
Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States ¹
As an alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, showcasing his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership ¹.
In his tribute President Tinubu
expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, wishing Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoring his significant contributions to the nation
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
This loss is deeply felt across Nigeria, and our thoughts are with the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
