Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, has passed away in Lagos after a brief illness. He was 56. President Bola Tinubu confirmed Lagbaja’s death in a statement on Wednesday, expressing condolences to the general’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, and honoring his dedication and service to the nation.
The announcement follows weeks of speculation about Lagbaja’s health, which the Defence Headquarters previously dismissed, stating he was on leave. Lagbaja’s death came just days after President Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff. Oluyede has since been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, preparing him for the official role.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was appointed as Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, after a distinguished military career that began when he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. Over the years, he held numerous leadership roles, including Commander of the 72 Special Forces Battalion, Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division, and General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 and 1 Divisions.
Throughout his service, Lagbaja participated in significant peacekeeping and internal security operations, including Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and counter-insurgency operations in northeast Nigeria.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja hailed from Ilobu in Osun State and was known for his commitment to military excellence and professionalism. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. His death is the second in recent years among Nigeria’s army chiefs in office; Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru also passed away in 2021.
President Tinubu expressed deep sympathy for Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and friends, and extended wishes for the general’s eternal peace.
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