President Tinubu, Nigerians Mourn General Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff

President Bola Tinubu and the entire Nigerian Military Command on Wednesday mourned the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja died after battling an undisclosed ailment at the age of 56 years. He was appointed COAS by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

In a statement on 6 November 2024, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on information and strategy to the president, said General Lagbaja “passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness”.

“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.

“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”  Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, signed the statement.

About a month ago, it was speculated that Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja resigned from his appointment following a rumour that he had died. The Nigerian Army had to issue a statement refuting both claims.

On October 20, the army dismissed rumours that General Lagbaja had passed on, adding that the army chief was undergoing medical treatment abroad.

Ten days later, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Brig. General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting COAS. The president decorated the Acting COAS with a new rank of lieutenant-general on 5 November 2024.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu,” the statement reads.

“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.