Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, as a sad loss to the country.
The governor described late Lt. General Lagbaja as a patriot and one of the finest military officers produced by the country.
Makinde’s condolence message was contained in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
He also expressed his condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army.
Yhe Oyo state governor equally commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased COAS as well as the Government and people of Osun State on the demise of their illustrious son, praying to Allah to grant repose to his soul.
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The New Daily Prime reported that President Bola Tinubu announced Lagbaja’s death in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment to the position by President Tinubu in June 2023.
His 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.
Lt. General Lagbaja also served 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.
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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.
