Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared the news in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
The statement conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s regret over the loss, extending condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to the announcement, “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.”
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.
He began his military career in 1987 when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy. Lagbaja was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
He held a number of command positions during his career, including those of platoon commander in the 72 Special Forces Battalion and the 93 Battalion.
He was instrumental in many internal security operations, including Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation ZAKI in Benue.
An alumnus of the renowned U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja also earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to excellence in military leadership.
He leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honouring Lt. General Lagbaja’s invaluable contributions to the nation.
