The Nigerian military has lost one of its most distinguished leaders, as Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has passed away at the age of 56. His death was confirmed in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, on November 6, 2024. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at the loss, mourning the passing of a man who dedicated his life to serving Nigeria's military and safeguarding the nation’s interests. Here are eight important things to know about the late General Taoreed Lagbaja’s life and legacy
Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State, Taoreed Lagbaja spent his formative years in Osogbo. His academic journey began at St. Charles Grammar School, before he proceeded to the Local Authority Teachers College, Osogbo. His early educational experiences shaped the disciplined and focused character he became known for.
Lagbaja’s military career began in 1987 when he was admitted into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 39th Regular Course. After rigorous training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, marking the start of his long and distinguished military career.
A man of intellect, Lt. General Lagbaja pursued higher education alongside his military training. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy and later went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the renowned U.S. Army War College. His academic qualifications enhanced his strategic thinking and military leadership abilities.
Lagbaja's career in the Nigerian Army was marked by numerous leadership roles. He served as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy from 2001 to 2004, contributing to the development of future military leaders. He also held the position of Grade 2 Staff Officer in charge of peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters and served as a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College from 2006 to 2009.
In addition to his domestic assignments, General Lagbaja expanded his military knowledge through international training. He attended the Military Observers Course at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji in 2008, and the ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course at the Peacekeeping Centre in Bamako, Mali, in 2010. These experiences broadened his expertise in peacekeeping and multinational military operations.
Over the years, Lagbaja held key command positions in various military operations. Notably, he served in Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula and participated in the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was also involved in Operation ZAKI, further solidifying his reputation as an experienced and capable leader in complex military environments.
In a significant moment in his career, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023. His appointment came at a time when the Nigerian military was grappling with complex security challenges, and Lagbaja’s leadership was seen as a much-needed stabilizing force for the armed forces.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. His passing leaves a void in both the Nigerian military and the hearts of his family, who have lost a devoted husband and father, and a man of great integrity.
Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja’s death is a significant loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole. His decades of service to the military, his strategic vision, and his commitment to peacekeeping both within Nigeria and abroad made him a key figure in the country's security apparatus. As the nation mourns, his legacy as a dedicated soldier and leader will be remembered by all who knew him.