Tinubu mourn Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.

The Nigerian Armed Forces and the family of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), have received President Bola Tinubu’s sincere condolences for the army chief’s passing.

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Tinubu expressed grief at the news of General Lagbaja’s death at the age of 56.

The COAS died Tuesday night in Lagos following a period of illness, according to a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and President Tinubu named him Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.

Enrolling at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 marked the beginning of his illustrious military career. He joined the 39th Regular Course and received his appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.

As a platoon commander in the 72 Special Forces Battalion and the 93 Battalion, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja showed remarkable dedication and leadership during his tenure.

He was a key player in many internal security operations, such as Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation ZAKI in Benue State.

He graduated with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the esteemed U.S. Army War College, proving his commitment to career advancement and superior military leadership.

His cherished wife, Mariya, and their two kids survive Lt. Gen. Lagbaja.

President Tinubu offers the Nigerian Armed Forces and the family his deepest sympathies during this trying time. He acknowledges Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s important achievements to the country and wishes him eternal rest,” the statement continued.