Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja Dies at 56

The Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja has passed away.

The news was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.

The statement says the Chief of Army Staff died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, at age 56.”

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family anad the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contribution to the nation.”

Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment to the position in June 2023 by President Tinubu. He began his military career when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defense Academy in 1987.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course. “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”, reads the statement.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya and their two children.

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