Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56 after battling an undisclosed illness. Lagbaja, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, had been receiving medical treatment abroad, with the Nigerian Army dismissing reports of his death just weeks ago.
Despite efforts to save him, Lagbaja succumbed to his illness on Tuesday night in Lagos, prompting President Tinubu to extend his condolences to the bereaved family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. The president acknowledged Lagbaja’s invaluable contributions to the nation, highlighting his commitment to military leadership and professional excellence.
Lagbaja’s Military Career
Lagbaja began his military journey in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992. He held various command roles, including the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, and played essential roles in significant internal security efforts, such as:
- Operation ZAKI in Benue State
- Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno
- Operation Udoka in the Southeast
- Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
Lagbaja was an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College and held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu has postponed a cabinet meeting to honor Lagbaja’s memory and has appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff.
