By Abigail Philip David
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has died at the age of 56, following a period of illness. This was confirmed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday.
In the announcement titled, “Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his deep regret over the loss. The statement, released late Wednesday, noted that Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, mourns the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56,” the statement read. “President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces in this difficult time, honouring Lagbaja’s dedicated service to the nation and wishing him eternal peace.”
Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. Throughout his military career, he displayed exemplary leadership, serving as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He also played significant roles in key national security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
Amid his illness, President Tinubu had appointed Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff. On Tuesday, Oluyede was formally decorated as Lieutenant General in a ceremony led by the President.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today,” Tinubu remarked. “Your service to the Nigerian military is commendable, and your dedication has played a vital role in ensuring the safety and stability of our country.”
