The Nigerian government has confirmed the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56. His death followed a period of illness and was officially announced by the presidency. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the loss, emphasizing Lagbaja's dedication to national security and peace.
Lt. General Lagbaja embarked on his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, graduating as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Corps by 1992.
He was appointed Chief of Army Staff in June 2023. Throughout his tenure, he was involved in several critical military operations, including "Operation ZAKI" in Benue, "Lafiya Dole" in Borno, and "Forest Sanity" in Kaduna and Niger States. His leadership was characterized by resilience and a steadfast commitment to overcoming challenges.
Lagbaja's career was marked by strategic excellence, as evidenced by his academic achievement of a Master's degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His colleagues remembered him as a leader who was "steadfast and unyielding in the face of challenges." His passing has left a major void in Nigeria’s military leadership, with President Tinubu vowing to uphold Lagbaja’s legacy of resilience and commitment.
In response to this loss, President Tinubu has appointed Maj-Gen Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff pending further decisions. This move aims to ensure continuity in military leadership and maintain the momentum of ongoing operations and initiatives that Lagbaja championed.
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