Barely 24 hours after decorating an Acting Chief of Army Staff, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced the passing of the substantive Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
A statement a few moments ago by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), said Lagbaja died 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.
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.
The announcement of Lagbaja’s passage comes the day after Tinubu, in Abuja, honoured the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, by promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General during a ceremony held at the State House.
The decoration of the Acting Army Chief was held at the President’s office on Tuesday.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today,” the President stated. “This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record.”
Lt. Gen. Oluyede (N/9318) was granted Regular Combatant Commission as second lieutenant as a member of the 39 Regular Course on September 19, 1992, with seniority in the same rank effective September 12, 1987.
The Acting Chief of Army Staff participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and Operation Hadin Kai in the North East.
