Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja dies in Lagos

The Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff. He was aged 56.

A statement by the Presidency signed by Bayo Onanuga and made available to Diaspora Digital Media said Lagbaja 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.

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,” the Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy) Onanuga stated.

Previous death rumours

Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was recently at the center of death rumors that spread like wildfire.

The rumors claimed he had passed away due to cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas.

However, these claims were swiftly debunked by the Army Headquarters, which described them as “fake news”.

President Tinubu even received a call from Lagbaja, who briefed him on his health status, putting the rumors to rest.

The Chief of Army Staff had traveled abroad for a medical checkup, and the Army Headquarters assured the public that he was recuperating and not deceased.

This isn’t the first time a Nigerian public official has faced death rumors. Such speculation often arises when government officials travel abroad for medical treatment, sparking debates about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

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