By our Correspondent
Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja
The Presidency on Wednesday announced the passing of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja.
Lagbaja was 56 years, when he was appointed COAS by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness
“Born on Feb. 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu,” the statement reads.
“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
“On Sept. 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,” Onanuga added
However, tere were suspicions on Tuesday that Lagbaja was on his way out of his coveted position after President Bola Tinubu promoted and decorated the Acting army chief, Major-General Olufemi Oluyede, to a new rank of Lt. General.
But his death was not thought to be in play by watchers.
