President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at the age of 56.
He died on Tuesday night in Lagos following a lengthy illness.
Lt. General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.
His distinguished military career began in 1987 when he enlisted at the Nigerian Defence Academy. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Lt. General Lagbaja displayed great leadership and devotion while serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played critical roles in a number of internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
He graduated from the famous US Army War College with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, exhibiting his commitment to professional development and competence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his devoted wife, Mariya, and two children.
President Tinubu extends his sincere sympathies to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces at this difficult time. He wishes Lieutenant General Lagbaja eternal rest and recognises his tremendous services to the nation.
SOurce
