According to a State house press release, the ailing Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has died at the age of 56 years.
Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.
The press release stated, “Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
“His distinguished 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, Lt. General 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 U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved 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”.
By Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)
KatsinaMirror earlier reported the absence of COAS which led to leadership vacuum to which the Army responded that there was no vacuum but the COAS was on sick leave for treatment and will return as soon as he recovers.
However, last Wednesday, President Tinubu appointed Major General Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to stand in pending the return of the substantive COAS who is on sick leave until yesterday when the announcement of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja’s death was made public.