President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.
A statement issued by the president’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday explained that the COAS died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed COAS on June 19, 2023, by Tinubu.
His 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, 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 US Army War College, he earned a master’s degree in strategic studies.
He is survived by his 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 statement added.
