The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away.
This was confirmed in an official statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday.
According to the statement titled “Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shared his deep sadness over the loss, expressing condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He praised Lagbaja’s dedication to the country and wished him eternal peace.
Lagbaja, who was appointed as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, served with outstanding leadership and commitment. His career included roles as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played crucial roles in key security operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
While Lagbaja was unwell, President Tinubu had appointed Olufemi Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff. Last Wednesday, Tinubu formally decorated Oluyede as Lieutenant General, praising his commitment to the military and his role in maintaining the country’s security.
