By HeapNews
The nation is mourning the loss of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. He was 56 years old. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the sad news, expressing deep condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
President Tinubu highlighted Lt. General Lagbaja’s life of service and dedication, saying, “Lt. General Lagbaja embodied the finest qualities of a military leader, showing unmatched courage and loyalty to the nation. His commitment to our country’s security was unwavering, and his legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the progress he championed.”
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, had a distinguished military career that began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992, part of the Academy’s 39th Regular Course. Known for his leadership and dedication, he quickly ascended the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
During his 30-year career, he played a vital role in key security operations across Nigeria, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States. His commitment to protecting Nigerians left an indelible mark, with countless lives impacted by his work.
Lt. General Lagbaja was also a scholar of military strategy. An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to excellence and professional growth.
The Chief of Army Staff is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children, who, along with the nation, mourn his passing. President Tinubu’s statement reflects the nation’s collective grief: “We have lost not just a leader but a patriot whose legacy will be cherished. May he rest in eternal peace.”
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the Army Chief’s passing as a “great loss” to Nigeria, emphasizing that his contributions will remain a beacon for future military leaders.
As Nigeria bids farewell to a remarkable soldier and leader, his dedication to the nation’s safety and stability will continue to inspire generations.