Just In: Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at age 56

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

He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

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.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

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.

Nigerians has taken to their social media pages to sympathize with family and friends and pray to God to forgive him of his shortcomings.

Some of these tweets are:

@ogbenidipo

“Rest in peace, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Condolences to your family, friends and the Nigerian Army. Thank you for your galant service and sacrifice to our nation. God bless your soul 🙏🏽❤️🇳🇬“

@ZagazolaMakama

“With heavy hearts, we remember Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, whose untimely passing on Tuesday leaves a profound void in our nation’s defense and security leadership.

General Lagbaja embodied dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the protection of Nigeria and its people. A man of great integrity, he dedicated decades of service to our nation, rising through the ranks to lead with vision, wisdom, and honor.

As Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja was a stalwart defender against the threats facing Nigeria. He led with a profound sense of duty, tirelessly guiding our troops through complex security challenges with strategic acumen and unwavering resolve.

His efforts in modernizing the Nigerian Army, enhancing troop welfare, and prioritizing the safety of civilians have left an indelible impact on our armed forces and on the country.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, General Lagbaja was respected and admired for his humility, empathy, and resilience. He was a leader who inspired confidence in those he led, and a figure whose calm strength steadied those around him. He understood the sacrifices required of soldiers and worked tirelessly to support them, earning deep respect from his colleagues and the nation he served.

Lt Gen Lagbaja’s legacy is one of patriotism and selfless service. As we mourn his loss, we honor the life of a true hero who has given so much to secure a safer future for Nigeria. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire courage and commitment in the generations to come”

@IU_Wakilii
”Chief Of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has passed on!

This is indeed a great loss for Nigeria, I will forever remember his good service to Nigeria.

May his soul rest in peace”