On the same day, President Tinubu decorated the Acting Chief of Army Staff Olufemi Oluyede with the title of Lieutenant General. The substantive holder of the office, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, passed away after a protracted illness in Lagos. Both were coursemates of the 39th regular course at the Nigerian Military School.

In a statement, President Tinubu announced his demise as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Wednesday Morning.

“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” Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, signed the statement.

About a month ago, it was speculated that Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja resigned from his appointment following a rumour that he had died. The Nigerian Army had to issue a statement refuting both claims.

Army sources confirmed then that, “COAS is not dead. He was only critically ill. We should be praying for him at this critical time and not spreading rumours that he died.”

The controversial post announcing his death then read: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official.

“The death of the Chief of Army Staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position.

“Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.”

Reacting to the post on X, the Nigerian Army marked it as fake news.
Last Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Staff at a gathering of all the Military High Command, confirmed General Lagbaja’s ill-health and urged all to pray for his recovery. The occasion was the formal handing-over of the control of the Army to Major General Olufemi Oluyede.