Lagbaja, Army Chief, dies at 56
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead.
This was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on X on Wednesday.
The statement reads:
Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
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.
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.
Here are 10 things to know late COAS Lagbaja:
1.Lagbaja, was born in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State on 28 February 1968.
2. He was 56.
3. He was the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
4. He attended Local Authority Teachers College Demonstration School Osogbo between 1973 – 1979
5. He attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan from 1984 to 1986 and obtained West African School Certificate (Advanced Level).
6. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 12, 1987 as a member of 39th Regular Course.
7. He was commissioned as 2Lt on September 19, 1992 into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
8. He holds a Bachelor’s in Geography from NDA Kaduna and a Master’s from U.S. Army War College.
9. Until his elevation as COAS, Lagbaja was the chief of operation (Army) and had served as General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Kaduna, and 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu.
10. He had held command positions in several military operations, including Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Operation ZAKI.
