The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead. This was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
In the statement titled ‘Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,’ Onanuga said Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“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 honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.
Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by Tinubu.
According to the statement, Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout his service, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
The Presidency noted that 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.
Lagbaja, an alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, is reported to be survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
Meanwhile, Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff last Wednesday as Lagbaja was confirmed indisposed for weeks.
On Tuesday, he decorated Oluyede as Lieutenant General.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today.
“This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record.
“We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,” the President said.
Life and times:
1. Birth and Early Life
Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Osogbo, where he attended St. Charles Grammar School and the Local Authority Teachers College.
2. Higher Education
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
3. Date of Military Commissioning
Lagbaja, who was admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as part of the 39th Regular Course, was commissioned as a second lieutenant on September 19, 1992.
4. Career Progression
Over his military career, Lagbaja held various positions, including platoon commander, instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and commanding officer of several battalions. He rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant general.
5. Deputy Chief of Staff
In 2009, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at Headquarters 81 Division. He later served as Commanding Officer of the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi from 2012 to 2013 and again from 2014 to 2015.
6. Chief of Army Staff
He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, succeeding Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
7. Operational Experience
Lagbaja participated in numerous military operations, including the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and various internal security operations across Nigeria.
8. Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Lagbaja received several awards for his service, reflecting his dedication and contributions to the Nigerian Army.
9. Personal Life
He was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and they had two children together.
10. Death
Lieutenant General Lagbaja passed away on November 5, 2024, in Lagos after a brief illness.
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