Tinubu Announces Death Of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja At 56

FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – President Bola Tinubu has announced the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died at the age of 56.

The news was confirmed in a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

According to the statement, Lt. General Lagbaja passed away on the night of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in Lagos after a period of illness. His passing marks a solemn moment for the nation and its armed forces.

President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and to the Nigerian Armed Forces during this time of mourning.

He expressed hope for the General’s eternal peace and honored his impactful contributions to Nigeria’s military and national security.

Read the full statement from the President’s spokesperson below:

“STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

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.

See also  Coronavirus: PM Boris Johnson’s life in danger

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.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)”