Olayomi Koiki
ABUJA/LAGOS – Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja is dead, a presidential spokesman said Wednesday.
Lagbaja succumbed to an undisclosed ailment. He was 56 years of age.
He was appointed COAS by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
On October 20, the Nigerian Army dismissed rumours that Lagbaja had passed on, noting that the army chief was undergoing medical treatment abroad.
However, on October 30, President Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting army chief, with the president decorating Oluyede with a new rank of lieutenant-general on November 5.
Lagbaja “passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness,” according to a Wednesday statement by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to the president
“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.
“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.
“The president wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”