After weeks of speculation over his ill health, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja is dead.
Lagbaja who had been terminally ill for some time died at the age of 56.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in a statement issued Wednesday announced the passing of the army chief.
He said: “President Bola Tinubu regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. 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 Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
“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.”
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.
Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
Onanuga said President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
