Tinubu Government Confirms Death of Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja After Speculations
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In a solemn announcement, the Nigerian government has confirmed the death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, at the age of 56. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a prolonged illness in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had been on medical leave abroad, which had led to widespread speculation about his health and the potential impact on the leadership of the Nigerian Army. His death marks the end of a distinguished military career spanning over 33 years.
A Distinguished Military Career
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s journey in the military began in 1987 when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy. His dedication and leadership qualities quickly became evident, and he served in various capacities, including as a platoon commander and instructor. His career was marked by numerous commendable achievements and a steadfast commitment to the nation’s security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, formally announced the passing of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja. The statement highlighted Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s significant contributions to the Nigerian Army and his unwavering dedication to his duties.
Official Statement from the Presidency
The official statement from the presidency read: “Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. Gen. 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.”
The statement further detailed Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s service record, noting his roles 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.
Educational Achievements and Personal Life
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was an alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. This academic achievement underscored his commitment to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time, honoring Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s significant contributions to the nation.
Addressing the Rumours
In the days leading up to the official announcement, rumours about Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s health had been circulating on social media. These rumours were sparked by a tweet from Jackson Ude, an investigative journalist and former presidential aide, who claimed that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had died from stage three cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas.
Ude’s tweet, which quickly went viral, read: “CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48hrs ago from a stage three Cancer, according to a senior Government official.”
Official Response from the Nigerian Army
In response to these rumours, Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu promptly debunked the claims, stating that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was alive and on official leave. Nwachukwu emphasized that necessary protocols had been put in place for Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim to act on Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s behalf during his absence.
“We have seen the malicious report circulating on social media and wish to inform the public that it is completely false,” Nwachukwu said in a statement. “The Chief of Army Staff is alive and well, and his absence is not affecting the operations of the service.”
Despite the army’s reassurances, Ude challenged the military authorities to produce evidence of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s whereabouts, suggesting that the country was entering a period of secrecy similar to the late President Musa Yar’Adua era.
A Legacy of Service
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s passing has left a void in Nigeria’s military leadership. His legacy of resilience, dedication, and exceptional service will be remembered by his colleagues and the nation. As Nigeria mourns the loss of a devoted servant, President Tinubu has vowed to uphold Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy and continue the work he dedicated his life to.
The Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large are in mourning, reflecting on the significant impact Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had on national security and peace. His contributions to various military operations and his commitment to professional excellence have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army.
In this time of grief, the nation stands united in honouring the memory of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, a leader whose life was dedicated to the service of his country.
