KEY POINTS
- Chief of Army Staff Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja is dead, President Tinubu mourns.
- Nigeria’s key operations to national stability included that of Lagbaja.
- Remembered for his leadership and dedication to military service.
Deep condolences to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Nigerian Armed Forces and to all his colleagues, President Bola Tinubu has said.
A statement issued by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday said that General Lagbaja, 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos after an illness.
In recognition of a distinguished military career
Lagbaja began his career in the Nigerian military at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and also got commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Corps in 1992.
On June 19, 2023, President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Army Staff and he served with distinction in that capacity particularly during the period of increased surgical engagement in the internal security operations of Lafiya Dole, Operation ZAKI and Operation Forest Sanity within the last three years.
Lagbaja was an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College; much like other students, in addition he had a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, his commitment to continuing professional education and military leadership.
A legacy of dedication and service
Furthermore, in sadness over the loss, President Tinubu thanked Lt. General Lagbaja for his ‘remarkable contributions to national security and peace.’ COAS had a wife Mariya and two children who survive him.
The statement concluded: “President Tinubu wishes eternal peace to Lt.General Lagbaja and also honors his commitment to the nation.”
