Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away.
His death at the age of 56, was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
Onanuga, in the statement titled, ‘Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,’ said Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.
Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by Tinubu.
Reports say he played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.