President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who died at the age of 56 after a brief illness.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information & Public Relations for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, President Tinubu has ordered that National Flags be flown at half-mast across the country for the next seven days in tribute to the late Army Chief.
The President praised the invaluable contributions of Lt. General Lagbaja to the nation and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, wishing them strength during this difficult time.
Earlier, President Tinubu had confirmed the sad news of the Chief of Army Staff’s passing.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lieutenant General Lagbaja had served as the Chief of Army Staff for just over a year, having been appointed to the position by President Tinubu in June 2023. His military career began in 1987 when he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his distinguished career, Lt. General Lagbaja held several key positions, including Platoon Commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played a central role in critical internal security operations, such as 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 U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to advancing his military expertise and leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children
