President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Nigerian Armed Forces following his untimely passing.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Tinubu expressed profound regret in announcing the death of General Lagbaja at the age of 56.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday.
Onanuga revealed that the COAS passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. His exceptional military career began in 1987 when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, becoming part of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his distinguished service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment, notably serving as platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played key roles in several critical 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.
A graduate of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, a testament to his dedication to professional development and his pursuit of excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
The statement from President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt sympathy: “President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honors his significant contributions to the nation.”
