President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the family of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja and to the Nigerian Armed Forces following the army chief’s passing.
Tinubu, in his role as Commander-in-Chief, shared his sorrow over the death of General Lagbaja, who passed away at age 56.
A statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Lt. General Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed as COAS on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Lt. General Lagbaja began his distinguished military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, graduating as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as part of the 39th Regular Course. Over his career, he held various key roles, including platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He was instrumental in several critical security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lt. General Lagbaja earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and leadership in the Nigerian military.
 Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja and to the Nigerian Armed Forces following the army chief's passing. Tinubu, in his role as Commander-in-Chief, shared his sorrow over the death of General Lagbaja, who passed away at age 56.){kind=link}