President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness at 56.
Tinubu revealed this in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56. He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”
It continues, “Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
“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.
“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”
In a twist of an event, Tinubu, on Tuesday, promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Tinubu congratulating newly promoted Lt. Gen Olufemi Oluyede
The decoration with the new rank was performed during a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, appointed Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff.
