President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff. Lt. General Lagbaja, aged 56, died in Lagos on Tuesday night after an illness, as disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His military career began in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy, leading to his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 in the Nigerian Infantry Corps. Lt. General Lagbaja held various key roles, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He also contributed significantly to internal security, participating in operations such as ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, Lt. General Lagbaja is remembered for his dedication to leadership and military excellence. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu has extended his condolences to his family and the Armed Forces, paying tribute to Lagbaja’s service and legacy.