President Bola Tinubu has formally announced the death of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, after days of speculation and conflicting reports.
The 56-year-old general reportedly passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a prolonged illness.
The announcement ends recent uncertainties around Lt. General Lagbaja’s health.
In a statement on behalf of the President, Special Adviser on Media Bayo Onanuga expressed President Tinubu’s condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Lt. General Lagbaja was a beacon of duty and bravery. His leadership will be sorely missed by the nation he so loyally served,” Onanuga quoted the President as saying.
He added that the late General’s legacy of dedication and sacrifice will remain a model for all members of the Armed Forces.”
Last week, some media outlets (not Per Second News) claimed he had passed away, but the Nigerian Army promptly denied the reports, affirming that he remained in command.
On October 5, Tinubu officially appointed Major General Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff and promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant General, widely perceived as a confirmation of Lagbaja’s passing.
Lagbaja, who was born on February 28, 1968, started his military career in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy and received his commission into the Infantry Corps in 1992.
Known for his exemplary service, he held pivotal roles in national security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and the Niger States.
His promotion to Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu underscored his outstanding career and commitment to national service.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
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