Edited by :ZAINAB ALIYU O.
The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead. He was 56.
Mr Lagbaja, a lieutenant general, died in Lagos after a brief illness, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga wrote in a Wednesday morning statement.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja has eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” Mr Onanuga wrote.
He was rumored dead two weeks ago, but the Defence Headquarters debunked the news, explaining that he was on leave.
A week after the rumored death, it was reported that President Bola Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede, a major general, as acting chief of army staff.
On Tuesday, Mr Oluyede was decorated with the new rank of lieutenant-general, an indication he is set to be made substantive army chief.
Mr Lagbaja was appointed as the army chief by President Tinubu on 19 June 2023.
He was born on 28 February 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State. He lived his early life in Osogbo where he attended St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.
He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 as a member of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 19th September 1992 into the Nigerian Infantry Corps.
His service history includes numerous leadership roles in critical security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
A distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s in Strategic Studies, Lt. General Lagbaja was recognized for his strategic acumen and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu offered his condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, showing Lt. General Lagbaja’s legacy of service and integrity.
