Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, Dies at 56

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56. This was confirmed in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday. According to the statement, Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his significant contributions to the nation’s security.

Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, and served with exceptional leadership throughout his career. He held various key positions, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. His pivotal roles in internal security operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State and Lafiya Dole in Borno, were also highlighted in the statement.

Lagbaja was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and was highly regarded for his dedication to the Nigerian military. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. His passing has been met with deep sorrow, as he was known for his commitment to the nation’s peace and stability.

In the wake of Lagbaja’s illness and subsequent passing, President Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff last week. On Tuesday, Oluyede was officially decorated as a Lieutenant General. The President praised Oluyede’s dedication and service, acknowledging his efforts to maintain the country’s safety and security.