Chief of Army Staff, Taofeek Lagbaja dies at 56

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56.

In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was confirmed that Lt. General Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. His distinguished military career began in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

During his service, Lt. General Lagbaja displayed exemplary leadership, serving in key roles such as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He also played significant roles in several internal security operations, including 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, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to professional growth and military excellence.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu has expressed his heartfelt condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his invaluable contributions to the nation and wishing him eternal peace.