President Bola Tinubu has announced the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, at the age of 56.

Tinubu announced Lagbaja’s death in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

The president disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff died in Lagos on Tuesday night after a period of illness.

Tinubu expressed his “heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.”

“I wish Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honour his significant contributions to the nation,” he added.

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Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed as the 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.

Lagbaja served 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.

The Star