*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family of late Lt.-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time, wishing the deceased 鈥榚ternal peace鈥� for his significant contributions to the country

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, regrets to announce the passing of Lt.-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed the development in a statement Wednesday, November 6 said late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja died after a period of illness at age 56 night of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in Lagos.

Born on February 28, 1968, President Tinubu appointed Lt.-General Lagbaja Chief of Army Staff June 19, 2023.

The deceased鈥檚 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.

The statement noted that throughout his service to Nigeria, Lt.-General Lagbaja 鈥渄emonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.鈥�

Onanuga also stated: 鈥淗e played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI, in Benue State, Lafiya Dole, in Borno, Udoka in South-East Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.鈥�

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master鈥檚 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.

鈥淧resident Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.

鈥淗e wishes Lt.-General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,鈥� said the Presidential aide in the statement.