President Tinubu Announces the Death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, deeply regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who died on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in Lagos, after a period of illness. He was 56 years old.

 

Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. His distinguished military career began in 1987, when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

 

Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment. He served in various capacities, including as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion, and played pivotal roles in several key military operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

 

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his dedication to professional development and excellence in military leadership. His contributions to Nigeria’s military and national security will be remembered for years to come.

 

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, offering prayers for the repose of his soul and honoring his immense contributions to the country.

 

Life and Career of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

 

Born in Ilobu, Osun State, on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja spent his early years in Osogbo, where he attended St. Charles Grammar School and the Local Authority Teachers College. In 1987, he was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39th Regular Course. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.

 

His early military assignments included serving as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion (1992-1995) and the 72 Special Forces Battalion (1995-2001). In 2001, Lt. General Lagbaja obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the NDA and further pursued strategic studies at the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.

 

Between 2001 and 2004, Lt. General Lagbaja served as an instructor at the NDA. He also held various key staff positions, including Grade 2 Staff Officer in charge of peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters and Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, from 2006 to 2009.

 

Lagbaja’s leadership trajectory continued to rise as he served in multiple operational and command roles, including as Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at the Headquarters 81 Division, Commanding Officer of 72 Special Forces Battalion, Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division, Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters, and Commander of several brigades across Nigeria. Prior to his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, he was the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division and 1 Division, from March 2021 to June 2023.

 

Lt. General Lagbaja was actively involved in several critical military operations, including Operation Harmony IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation MESA/Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

 

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in July 2023. A dedicated officer, he continued to contribute to the Nigerian Army until his untimely death.

 

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. He had a passion for reading biographies and watching documentaries. His passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian military leadership, and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the nation.