Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has passed away after a brief illness. He served in key military roles and led several significant operations. His death marks a major loss for the Nigerian Armed Forces, and President Tinubu has expressed his condolences.
The Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, passed away on November 5, 2024, in Lagos following a brief illness. He was 56. President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences, honoring Lagbaja's significant contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Lagbaja, who was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, had a long military career. Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992. Throughout his career, he served in various key positions, including as Commander of the 72 Special Forces Battalion, Director of Operations at Army Headquarters, and General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division.
Earlier in 2024, there were rumors of his death, which were denied by the Defence Headquarters. Afterward, Major General Olufemi Oluyede was appointed acting Chief of Army Staff.
Lagbaja’s death is a significant loss to Nigeria’s military community, following the tragic passing of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in 2021. He is survived by his wife, Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and their two children.
