The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is dead.
His death was announced by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
General Lagbaja was aged 56.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, Lagbaja passed away in Lagos State in the night of Tuesday, November 5, following a period of illness. Thank
Thenewsbearer reports that his death occurred on the same day that the acting COAS, Olufemi Oluyede was decorated with the rank of Lieutenant General which is appropriate for his new position.
The acting COAS was appointed on October 30 after the news went round that General Lagbaja was indisposed.
The news of his death as at that time was denied.
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.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu, who condoled to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time, wished General Lagbaja eternal peace and expressed honour for his significant contributions to the nation .
