
Taoreed Lagbaja Biography
Taoreed Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Nigeria. He devoted over three decades of his life to serving his country. Known for his exceptional leadership skills, resilience, and commitment to national security, Taoreed Lagbaja rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army to become the Chief of Army Staff, a position he held until his untimely passing. Taoreed Lagbaja is 56 years old as of 2024.
Taoreed Lagbaja was born and raised in the culturally rich town of Ilobu in Irepodun, Osun State, Nigeria. Growing up in Osogbo, he attended St. Charles Grammar School, where he was known for his academic dedication and discipline. These early experiences instilled in him a sense of purpose and responsibility, which guided his career and life choices.
From a young age, Taoreed was drawn to the idea of serving his country, leading him to pursue a career in the military. In 1987, he joined the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 39th Regular Course. The rigorous training and values he encountered at the NDA strengthened his sense of duty, and on September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps.
Throughout his career, Lagbaja pursued academic and professional growth, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and, later, a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His academic accomplishments and international training experiences equipped him with the strategic skills and knowledge needed for leadership roles in the Nigerian Army.
Taoreed Lagbaja Career
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja’s career in the Nigerian Army was characterized by resilience, leadership, and dedication to Nigeria’s security. After being commissioned, he started as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and later served in the 72 Special Forces Battalion, where he honed his operational and leadership skills. His early military roles laid the foundation for a career that would span over three decades.
Lagbaja’s career progression saw him take on various command positions. He served as Commander of Headquarters 9 Brigade in Lagos and Headquarters 2 Brigade in Uyo, where he demonstrated his ability to adapt to diverse security challenges across different regions. From March 2021 to August 2022, he was the General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division, and later the General Officer Commanding Headquarters 1 Division until June 2023. In these roles, he led crucial operations aimed at maintaining stability and peace, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
On June 19, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff, the highest-ranking position in the Nigerian Army. As Chief of Army Staff, he spearheaded efforts to modernize the army, improve training programs, and enhance Nigeria’s security framework to address contemporary challenges. His leadership was instrumental in advancing the army’s capabilities, earning him respect from his colleagues and the nation at large.
Lagbaja’s dedication was recognized with numerous military honors, including the Nigerian Army Medal, the Grand Service Star, and the prestigious Field Command Medal of Honour. His awards were not mere decorations; they represented a career marked by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Taoreed Lagbaja Personal Life
Taoreed Lagbaja was a devoted family man who found strength and comfort in his loved ones. He was married to Mariya Lagbaja, and together they built a stable and loving family environment, despite the demands of his military career. The couple had two children who were a source of pride and joy for him. Lagbaja instilled in his children the same values of discipline, integrity, and resilience that he upheld in his own life. Taoreed Lagbaja is a Muslim.
Known for his humility and grounded nature, Lagbaja often attributed his success to the support of his family. His wife, Mariya, stood by him throughout his career, providing the emotional support and encouragement he needed during challenging deployments and missions. His devotion to his family was evident in his interactions with them, and he sought to balance his responsibilities as a military leader with his role as a husband and father.
Friends and colleagues often noted his strong commitment to his family, a quality that set him apart in a profession that demands sacrifice and resilience. Lagbaja’s family was his anchor, and his legacy continues through them as they carry forward the values he cherished.
Taoreed Lagbaja Death
The passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja on November 5, 2024, came as a profound shock to the Nigerian military and the nation. He had been privately dealing with an illness known only to close family and a few associates. Despite his health struggles, Lagbaja continued to serve his country with the same resilience and dedication that had marked his entire career.
In the weeks leading up to his death, his condition deteriorated, ultimately leading to his passing in Lagos. The Nigerian Army and the entire nation mourned the loss of a respected leader who had dedicated his life to safeguarding Nigeria’s security. Tributes poured in from across the country, with President Bola Tinubu expressing deep condolences to his family and honoring Lagbaja’s unwavering commitment to national service.
Lagbaja’s death marked the end of a storied career, but his contributions and sacrifices will forever be remembered. The legacy he leaves behind is one of courage, honor, and devotion to Nigeria.
Conclusion
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja’s life and career are a testament to dedication, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of service to his country. From his early years in Osogbo to his rise as Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja’s journey was marked by a deep sense of duty and a commitment to protecting Nigeria. His accomplishments in the Nigerian Army and his legacy as a family man have left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
As Nigeria mourns his passing, his contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces and his nation will continue to inspire future generations. Taoreed Lagbaja’s life reminds us that true greatness lies not just in accomplishments but in the dedication and values we leave behind.
FAQs
Who was Taoreed Lagbaja?
Taoreed Lagbaja was a distinguished Nigerian military leader who served as the Chief of Army Staff. His career spanned over three decades, during which he dedicated his life to national security and military leadership.
What was Taoreed Lagbaja known for?
Lagbaja was known for his exceptional leadership, dedication to Nigeria’s security, and his efforts to modernize and strengthen the Nigerian Army. He held multiple command roles, contributing significantly to various military operations.
How did Taoreed Lagbaja contribute to Nigeria’s security?
Lagbaja contributed through leadership in several critical military operations, including Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Forest Sanity, aimed at addressing security challenges in Nigeria.
What caused the death of Taoreed Lagbaja?
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja passed away following an illness that had been kept private. He continued to serve until his health declined in the weeks prior to his passing on November 5, 2024.

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