BREAKING: Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Passes Away at 56

Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

Abuja, Nigeria — The Presidency has confirmed the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. He was 56.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, shared his condolences with the family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the nation.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja reportedly passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness. Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja had a notable career in the Nigerian military, with a service record spanning more than three decades.

He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu, marking the latest achievement in a military career that began in 1987 when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Lagbaja graduated as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in September 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his distinguished career, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was recognized for his dedication and leadership, holding critical roles across various military units. He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and later in the 72 Special Forces Battalion. Lagbaja was actively involved in major 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.

An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and strategic military leadership.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu has extended his deepest sympathies to Lagbaja’s family, celebrating his lifetime of service and honouring his substantial contributions to Nigeria’s military and security.

The late General’s death marks a significant loss for the Nigerian Armed Forces and the country at large.