Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his demise, which occurred on Tuesday night in Lagos after a prolonged illness.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had been on medical leave abroad, sparking speculation about his health and leadership vacuum within the Nigerian Army.

With over 33 years of military experience, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s distinguished career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving in various capacities, including platoon commander and instructor.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, formally announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He was said to have “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”, the statement read.

It added that President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time and wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.

Recall that the Nigerian Army had swiftly dismissed rumours circulating on social media regarding the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The rumours, sparked by a tweet from Jackson Ude, an investigative journalist and former presidential aide and social media commentator, had claimed that Lagbaja had died from stage three cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas.

Ude’s tweet, which 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.”

However, Army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, promptly debunked the claims, stating that Lagbaja is alive and on official leave. Nwachukwu emphasized that necessary protocols had been put in place for Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim to act on 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 reassurance, Ude challenged the military authorities to produce evidence of Lagbaja’s whereabouts, suggesting that the country was entering a period of secrecy similar to the late President Musa Yar’Adua era.

“I dare the military to produce a one-second video of the Chief of Army Staff,” Ude tweeted. “We are entering the late President Musa Yar’Adua era again. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. If the Army says it’s ‘fake news’, let them produce a one-second video of General Lagbaja on his sick bed.”

Amidst the controversy, the Nigerian Army pulled 15 generals from service, including 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals, in a ceremony held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kaduna State. The retired officers were honored for their years of service, with Major General James Myam (retd.) reflecting on their long military careers and expressing gratitude. Later about five more were retired before President Tinubu appointed an Acting Chief of Army Staff.

Sources close to Lagbaja revealed that he was flown abroad by his family members to seek medical attention due to a serious illness. His prolonged absence from official duties had sparked concerns among top generals, with many questioning the leadership vacuum.

Nwachukwu maintained that Lagbaja’s absence was not affecting the operations of the service, citing established protocols for dealing with such situations. “The Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances,” he said.

The development came as President Bola Tinubu returned to the country after an 18-day leave, during which he spent time in the United Kingdom and France. The president’s vacation had sparked concerns among Nigerians, with many questioning the timing and duration of his leave.

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