President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the
death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who
passed away at the age of 56.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at 10
things to know about the late Chief of Army Staff.
1. Birth and Early Life
Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun
State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Osogbo, where he attended St.
Charles Grammar School and the Local Authority Teachers College.
2. Higher Education
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the
Nigerian Defence Academy and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the
U.S. Army War College.
3. Date of Military Commissioning
Lagbaja, who was admitted to the Nigerian Defence
Academy in 1987 as part of the 39th Regular Course, was commissioned as a
second lieutenant on September 19, 1992.
4. Career Progression
Over his military career, Lagbaja held various
positions, including platoon commander, instructor at the Nigerian Defence
Academy, and commanding officer of several battalions. He rose through the
ranks to become a lieutenant general.
5. Deputy Chief of Staff
In 2009, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at
Headquarters 81 Division. He later served as Commanding Officer of the 72
Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi from 2012 to 2013 and again from 2014 to
2015.
6. Chief of Army Staff
He was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023,
by President Bola Tinubu, succeeding Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
7. Operational Experience
Lagbaja participated in numerous military operations,
including the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and
various internal security operations across Nigeria.
8. Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Lagbaja received several awards
for his service, reflecting his dedication and contributions to the Nigerian
Army.
9. Personal Life
He was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and they had
two children together.
10. Death
Lieutenant General Lagbaja passed away on November 5,
2024, in Lagos after a brief illness.
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