President Tinubu Confirms Passing of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, at 56

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has confirmed the passing of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness, at the age of 56, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was appointed as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His military career began with his enrollment in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

During his career, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja served with distinction in multiple internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States. He held roles as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, showcasing his leadership and dedication to Nigeria's security.

An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to advancing military professionalism. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu expressed his deepest condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s service and dedication to the nation and wishing him eternal peace.