By correspondent in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away, aged 56, during an illness.
He died on Tuesday night in Lagos, as confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), in a statement on Wednesday morning.
Reacting to the sad development,President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the distinguished officer.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His military career began in 1987 when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his distinguished service, Lt. General Lagbaja held various key positions, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played a critical role in several internal security operations, such as 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 development and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, wishing him eternal peace and honoring his remarkable contributions to the nation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
