- Tinubu Mourns, Pays Tribute
By Hamilton Nwosa
The presidency has formally announced the Passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
In a press release issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
the later was quoted as saying he deeply regrets the demise of Lagbaja who died in Lagos at the age of 56.
The statement reads in part: “He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“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.”
The Presidency noted that throughout his distinguished military career, Lagbaja 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, Lagbaja 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 wife, Mariya, and two children.
Tinubu further expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
