ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria mourns the loss of its Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away at the age of 56 in Lagos on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, night after a prolonged illness.
Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu‘s spokesman, confirmed his death in an official statement, expressing deep sorrow over the military leader’s passing.
President Tinubu has postponed the Federal Executive Council meeting, initially scheduled for today, in honour of Lt. General Lagbaja’s memory.
A new date for the meeting will be announced.
In addition, the President ordered that flags be flown at half-staff nationwide for the next seven days, marking the significant loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.
“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,” Onanuga’s statement read.
Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to Lagbaja’s family and honoured his dedication, describing him as an exceptional leader and committed soldier.
Lt. General Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and embarked on a distinguished military career that began with his enrolment in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Army Staff, appointed by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Throughout his career, he led key security operations, including Operations ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, Udoka, and Forest Sanity, across various regions of Nigeria, securing his reputation as a strategic leader dedicated to national peace and stability.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
His passing has resonated deeply across Nigeria, with President Tinubu’s statement underscoring the impact of his military career and legacy.
“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,” the statement concluded.
