Several days after the demise of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff in an unnamed German Hospital, the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has finally and formally announced the passing on of the gallant Nigerian military officer.
Sources close to PMParrot had over three weeks ago sworn that the COAS passed away in Germany after the Federal Government ‘massively’ denied the initial but informal announcement of the number one Army officer.
Said our source, “The Federal Government could not have announced the demise of General Lagbaja immediately. There were too many political issues attached to the officer’s passing.
“The announcement is being made now because all the other political and other issues have been successfully sorted out.”
Another unconfirmed source also informed that the remains of the deceased Osun State born officer arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday.
However, in a statement made available to PMParrot on Wednesday morning, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman said
“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.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
