By Ayodele Oni
Finally, President Bola Tinubu has put a stop to all the speculations by officially announcing the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Speculations over Lagbaja’s status – dead or alive – had been on for about two weeks. The Army vehemently denied his death when it was first strongly rumoured and threatened those who said an acting Chief of Army Staff had been appointed with treasonable felony.
But on Wednesday, November 6, after he had appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Staff, and his subsequent promotion to the rank of a Lt. General on Monday, President Tinubu finally confirmed Lagbaja’s passing in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.
Speculations are that he died of an undisclosed type of Cancer.
In a statement which announced Lagbaja’s death, main Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, heaped praises on the late General. He said Lagbaja died 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.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
“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.
“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
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.”
He is the second Chief of Army Staff to die in office in recent years.
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