Nigeria’s Chief Of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has passed on.
Lagbaja, aged 56 died in Lagos State on the night of Tuesday, November 6, due to undisclosed illness.
The late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), whose military journey began in 1987, is named to have played key roles in military operations, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
His long career peaked when he became Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff in 2023, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment.
Confirming his death in a statement released on Wednesday, November 6, President Tinubu’s adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, relayed the President’s condolences to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Before his death on Tuesday night, the late COAS had been ill since October and was abroad where he received treatment. During that time, the chief of policy and plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim carried out his official duties on his behalf.
At this time, Lagbaja’s role is temporarily occupied by Olufemi Oluyede. President Tinubu appointed Oluyede as Nigeria’s acting COAS on October 30, 2024.
This is a developing story.
