Nigeria has been plunged into mourning as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, announced the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. The respected military leader passed away at age 56 in Lagos after a period of illness on Tuesday night.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s exemplary journey of service began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, where he joined the 39th Regular Course. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992, he quickly made a name as a committed and courageous leader, eventually rising to serve as the nation’s Chief of Army Staff, a role he was appointed to on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Throughout his career, General Lagbaja was involved in critical internal security operations across Nigeria, including leading missions like Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States. An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s in Strategic Studies, he was widely respected for his strategic insight and military expertise.
Lt. General Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring the late General’s profound dedication and contributions to Nigeria’s security and unity.
May Lt. General Lagbaja rest in eternal peace.
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