President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who passed away at the age of 56.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

The statement reads partly, “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.”

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at 10 things to know about the late Chief of Army Staff.

1.Birth and Early Life

Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Osogbo, where he attended St. Charles Grammar School and the Local Authority Teachers College.

2.Higher Education

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

3.Date of Military Commissioning

Lagbaja, who was admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as part of the 39thRegular Course, was commissioned as a second lieutenant on September 19, 1992.

4.Career Progression

Over his military career, Lagbaja held various positions, including platoon commander, instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and commanding officer of several battalions. He rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant general.

5.Deputy Chief of Staff

In 2009, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at Headquarters 81 Division. He later served as Commanding Officer of the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi from 2012 to 2013 and again from 2014 to 2015.

6.Chief of Army Staff

He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, succeeding Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.

7.Operational Experience

Lagbaja participated in numerous military operations, including the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and various internal security operations across Nigeria.

8.Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Lagbaja received several awards for his service, reflecting his dedication and contributions to the Nigerian Army.

9.Personal Life

He was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and they had two children together.

10.Death

Lieutenant General Lagbaja passed away on November 5, 2024, in Lagos after a brief illness. (Nigerian Tribune)