The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away. His death was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday. Lagbaja reportedly died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness. He was 56 years old.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his deepest condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. In the statement, the President lauded the late General for his significant contributions to the nation, wishing him eternal peace.
Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, and served with distinction, leading several internal security operations across the country. His career included roles in operations like Lafiya Dole in Borno and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
The late General was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
In light of Lagbaja’s illness, President Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff last week. On Tuesday, Oluyede was officially decorated as Lieutenant General by the President.
