Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja dies at 56

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has been confirmed dead.

He reportedly passed away at 56 years old on Tuesday night in Lagos after an undisclosed illness.

His death was confirmed by President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

Onanuga wrote, “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.”

Lagbaja’s 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,” Onanuga added.

Dailyeconomy reports that Tinubu appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede on Wednesday, October 30, following Lagbaja’s failing health condition.

Recall that the Defence Headquarters on Monday, October 21, denied claims that COAS, Lagbaja has died and it appointed a senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff, stressing that Lagbaja is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his annual leave.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.

“The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave,” DHQ said in a statement, on Monday, October 21.