General Lagbaja Biography
General Lagbaja Biography : Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja February 28, 1968 – November 5, 2024, was a Nigerian Army lieutenant general who held the role of Chief of Army Staff from June 2023 until his passing in November 2024. He was appointed to this position by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, succeeding Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
General Lagbaja Early Life and Education
General Lagbaja was born in Ilobu, Irepodun now part of Osun State on February 28, 1968. He spent his formative years in Osogbo, where he attended St. Charles Grammar School and the Local Authority Teachers College.
General Lagbaja Career
He entered the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as part of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992. From 1992 to 1995, he served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and later in the 72 Special Forces Battalion until 2001. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2001 and pursued a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.
Between 2001 and 2004, General Lagbaja was an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He also served as a Grade 2 Staff Officer overseeing peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters, and later as a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, from 2006 to 2009.
His other notable roles included Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at Headquarters 81 Division in 2009, Commanding Officer of the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi (2012-2013, 2014-2015), and Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division, Monguno in 2016. In 2018, he was appointed Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters. He later commanded Headquarters 9 Brigade in Ikeja, Lagos, and Headquarters 2 Brigade in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Most recently, he was General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division (March 2021-August 2022) and Headquarters 1 Division (August 2022-June 2023).
General Lagbaja also completed the Military Observers Course in Peacekeeping Wing at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji (2008), and the ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course in Mali (2010). His career included participation in multiple operations such as Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi Peninsula, United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), and internal
General Lagbaja Wife and Family Life
Lt. General Lagbaja was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and together they had three children.
General Lagbaja Personal Life
General Lagbaja passed away on November 5, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, after a period of illness. Speculation about his health arose after he stopped making public appearances in September. A week before his death, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede was appointed to temporarily fill his position.
Achievements and Honors
Throughout his military career, General Lagbaja earned numerous awards in recognition of his dedication and service. Notable among them were the Nigerian Army Medal and the Grand Service Star, both reserved for officers of exceptional commitment. His achievements also garnered international recognition. He was awarded the Passed Staff Course Dagger, highlighting his excellence in staff duties, and was honored by the National Defence College in Chile for his contributions to global military education and strategy.
Additionally, he received the Field Command Medal of Honour for his exceptional performance in command roles, reflecting his courage and devotion to national service during challenging operations. His dedication to improving the Nigerian Army’s professionalism and efficiency was further acknowledged with the General Staff Medal of Honour. These accolades cemented his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most esteemed military leaders.
General Lagbaja Cause of Death
Lt. General Lagbaja died on the evening of November 5, 2024, in Lagos after an illness. News of his passing deeply affected the nation, with Nigerians mourning the loss of a revered leader. His illness had been kept private, known only to his close family and associates, yet he continued to serve with unwavering dedication. In the weeks leading to his passing, his health worsened, ultimately leading to his death.
The Nigerian military and the public paid tribute to his life of service and bravery. His passing closes a chapter of distinguished service, but his impact on the Nigerian Armed Forces remains significant. President Bola Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to his family, acknowledging Lt. General Lagbaja’s vital role in shaping the Nigerian Army and honoring his resilience and commitment in the face of personal health battles.