Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has passed on to the great beyond in Lagos after a period of illness, the Presidency has announced.   

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga announced this on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Abuja.

The statement reads in part; “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.”

Indications that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja may have passed on earlier than is being announced came when President Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Friday, November 1, 2024.

The President would later decorate Oluyede with the rank of Lieutenant General on Tuesday, which is the practice when an officer is appointed to head any of the armed services.

Since the regime of erstwhile military president, Ibrahim Babangida, the service chiefs have been three star generals while the chief of defence staff is a four star general.

Currently, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, bears the rank of General while the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force bear the ranks of Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral and Air Marshall, respectively.

Checks by Kristina Reports indicate a sorrowful mood across Army formations across the country as the soldiers mourn the passing of their erstwhile boss.