President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away in Lagos on Tuesday night at the age of 56 following a period of illness.

Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was a respected figure in Nigeria’s military. His journey in the armed forces began in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, marking the start of a distinguished career that would see him rise through the ranks due to his dedication, professionalism, and strategic skill.

His impressive track record of service led President Tinubu to appoint him as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.

Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja exemplified the values of leadership, discipline, and service to his nation.

He served in key operational roles, notably as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, where he gained valuable experience and honed his leadership abilities.

He also played essential roles in several high-stakes internal security missions that were critical to maintaining peace and order in troubled regions.

In Benue State, he contributed to Operation ZAKI, aimed at addressing local conflicts. In Borno, he was part of Operation Lafiya Dole, a mission designed to combat the insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.

His leadership in Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States further underscored his commitment to preserving Nigeria’s security and unity.

In addition to his field experience, Lt. General Lagbaja was committed to continuous learning and professional development.

He was an alumnus of the highly regarded U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his pursuit of military excellence and leadership.

His education there provided him with advanced insights and strategies that he brought back to benefit the Nigerian Army.

Lt. General Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children.

His passing is a significant loss not only to his family but to the Nigerian Armed Forces, where he was admired and respected by his colleagues and those he commanded.

President Tinubu, offering his heartfelt condolences, praised Lt. General Lagbaja for his decades of dedicated service and for the sacrifices he made for Nigeria.

He extended his sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lt. General Lagbaja, urging the nation to honor the legacy of a leader who devoted his life to his country’s peace and security.

President Tinubu prays for the departed soul to find eternal peace, recognizing the lasting contributions Lt. General Lagbaja made to Nigeria’s stability and progress.