The Nigerian government on Wednesday confirmed the death of its Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

President Bola Tinubu mourned the death of the Army chief at the age of 56, his spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement on Wednesday.

“He passed away in Lagos on Tuesday night after a period of illness,” Onanuga said.

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“President Tinubu extends his sincere condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. “We wish Lt. Gen. Lagbaja eternal peace and honor his significant contributions to the country.”

Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Defense Staff by Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

His distinguished military career began in 1987 when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defense Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on 19 September 1992, as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, serving as a platoon commander with the 93rd Battalion and the 72nd Special Forces Battalion,” Onanuga said. he said.

The Presidential spokesman said Lagbaja played key roles in several internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in South-East Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

Lagbaja is a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Army War College and earned a master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and excellence in military leadership.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja is survived by his wife Mariya and two children.