President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, who passed away at the age of 56.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that Lt. General Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a prolonged 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 in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja displayed exceptional leadership, serving as a platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played key roles in several internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, highlighting his commitment to continuous professional development.

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, expressing his gratitude for Lt. General Lagbaja’s remarkable service to the nation and wishing him eternal peace.