Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has died at the age of 56 in Lagos.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, in a statement said Lagbaja died on Tuesday night.
He said, “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.
“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.”
The statement said Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
Also, Tinubu wished Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”
President Bola Tinubu, had on Tuesday promoted the new acting Army Chief, Olufemi Oluyede to Lieutenant General.
The decoration of Olufemi Oluyede, who was formerly a Major General to Lt General by Tinubu took place in president’s office complex at the State House, Abuja.
This was following the ill health of the Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja who was later confirmed dead by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement.
Before his death, there were speculations which the Nigerian Army debunked.
