By Remilekun Awokoya
President Bola Tinubu has ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the late Chief of Army Staff.
This is as the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu paid a condolence visit to Lagbaja’s widow, Mariya Lagbaja.
Flags at half-mast
Disclosing this, Segun Imohiosen, director of information and public relations at the office of secretary to the federation (OSGF), noted that President Tinubu has “directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed army chief.”
Lagbaja died at the aged of 56 in Lagos, on Tuesday.
About Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja – Late Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, he was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu.
Early Life and Education
Birth: February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State.
Primary Education: Local Authority Teachers College Demonstration School, Osogbo (1973–1979).
Secondary Education: St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo (1979–1984).
Higher Education: Attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1984–1986) and earned his West African School Certificate (Advanced Level).
Military Education: Joined the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 12, 1987, as a member of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
Military Training and Courses
Completed multiple courses, including:
Company Amphibious Operations and Amphibious Staff Operations (1993, 1997)
Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses
Battalion Commanders’ Course and Strategy and Leadership Course at the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s in Strategic Studies.
Career and Key Appointments
Command and Operational Roles: Served as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion, later becoming Commanding Officer of the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi.
Staff Roles: Held various administrative positions, including as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy and Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) at Headquarters 81 Division.
Key Operations: Led and participated in numerous internal security operations, including:
Operation HARMONY IV (Bakassi Peninsula), Operation LAFIYA DOLE (Borno), and Operation UDO KA (South East Nigeria).
Most recently, Operation FOREST SANITY in Kaduna and Niger States.
Promotions
Attained various ranks throughout his career, culminating in his promotion to Lieutenant General on June 19, 2023.
Honors and Awards
Earned several medals and awards, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, and United Nations Peacekeeping Operation Medal.
Academic Qualifications
Bachelor’s in Geography (2001) from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College (2014).
Personal Life
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and their two children.
Hobbies: Watching documentaries and reading biographies.
Condolences President Tinubu extended his condolences to Lt. General Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his legacy and dedication to national service.