Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was a Nigerian Army officer who served as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from June 2023 until his death in November 2024.
Born on 28 February 1968 in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria, Taoreed Lagbaja built a distinguished military career spanning more than three decades. He rose from a young infantry officer to become one of the highest-ranking officers in the Nigerian Army.
Lagbaja became known for his battlefield experience, operational leadership and command of major military formations involved in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insurgency and other security threats.
He served as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff and remained in office from 23 June 2023 until 5 November 2024.
Taoreed Lagbaja Profile Summary
Full name: Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja
Date of birth: 28 February 1968
Place of birth: Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria
Date of death: 5 November 2024
Age at death: 56 years
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Military officer
Military branch: Nigerian Army
Rank: Lieutenant General
Years of service: 1987–2024
Position: Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria (2023–2024)
Spouse: Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja
Children: Yes
Early Life Of Taoreed Lagbaja
Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was born on 28 February 1968 in Ilobu, Osun State. He spent his early years in Osogbo, where he received his early education.
He attended St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College in Osogbo. Before joining the military, he studied at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, between 1984 and 1986.
In 1987, Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as a member of the 39th Regular Course. The institution prepared him for a career in military leadership and professional service.
After completing his training, he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on 19 September 1992.
Taoreed Lagbaja’s Educational Background
Lagbaja combined military training with academic development throughout his career.
His educational qualifications included:
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2001
- Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College
He also completed specialised military courses, including:
- Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, in 2008
- ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course at the Alioune Blondin Beye Peacekeeping School, Bamako, Mali, in 2010
These programmes expanded his expertise in peacekeeping, military planning and regional security operations.
Taoreed Lagbaja’s Military Career And Promotions
Taoreed Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Army in 1987 and served for 37 years until his death in 2024.
He began his military career as a platoon commander with the 93 Battalion from 1992 to 1995. He later served with the 72 Special Forces Battalion between 1995 and 2001.
From 2001 to 2004, Lagbaja served as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He also worked as a Grade 2 Staff Officer responsible for peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations.
Between 2006 and 2009, he served as a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
In 2009, he became Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at Headquarters 81 Division.
He later held several important command positions, including:
- Commanding Officer, 72 Special Forces Battalion, Makurdi (2012–2013 and 2014–2015)
- Chief of Staff, Headquarters 8 Task Force Division, Monguno (2016)
- Director of Operations, Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations (2018)
- Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos State
- Commander, 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Enugu (March 2021–August 2022)
- General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Kaduna (August 2022–June 2023)
His experience across different formations prepared him for the leadership demands of the Nigerian Army.
Taoreed Lagbaja Appointed Chief Of Army Staff
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff on 19 June 2023.
He replaced Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya following the retirement of Nigeria’s former service chiefs.
Lagbaja officially assumed office on 23 June 2023 and became Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
At the time of his appointment, he held the rank of Major General. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in July 2023.
As Army Chief, he focused on improving troop readiness, strengthening military operations and supporting efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and insecurity across Nigeria.
Military Operations Involving Taoreed Lagbaja
Throughout his military career, Lagbaja participated in several major Nigerian and international military operations.
His operational experience included:
Operation Harmony IV
Lagbaja participated in Operation Harmony IV in the Bakassi Peninsula between January 1996 and June 2000.
United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC)
He served in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2004 to 2005.
Operation Zaki
He participated in Operation Zaki, an internal security operation in Benue State, during September 2012 to April 2013 and July 2014 to December 2015.
Operation Lafiya Dole
Lagbaja served during Operation Lafiya Dole, the military campaign against Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria, from December 2015 to January 2018.
Operation MESA and Operation UDO KA
He was involved in Operation MESA/Operation UDO KA in South-East Nigeria from March 2021 to August 2022.
The operation covered Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
Operation Forest Sanity
Lagbaja participated in Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States from August 2022 to 2023.
These operations shaped his reputation as an experienced counter-insurgency commander.
Taoreed Lagbaja’s Awards And Achievements
During his military career, Lagbaja received several awards for his service.
His recognised honours included:
- Nigerian Army Medal
- Meritorious Service Star
- Grand Service Star
- Passed Staff Course Dagger
- Field Command Medal of Honour
- General Staff Medal of Honour
- Other national and international military awards
In 2025, the United States Army War College posthumously inducted him into its International Hall of Fame.
Who Is Taoreed Lagbaja’s Wife?
Taoreed Lagbaja was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja.
Mariya served as the President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), where she supported welfare programmes for military families.
The couple had three children, although details about their family life remained private.
Taoreed Lagbaja’s Death And Cause Of Death
Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja died on 5 November 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria, at the age of 56.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that he had received medical treatment abroad before his death. However, officials did not publicly reveal the exact nature of his illness.
Before his death, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede served as acting Chief of Army Staff while Lagbaja was away receiving medical attention.
Taoreed Lagbaja’s Legacy
Taoreed Lagbaja’s military journey from Ilobu, Osun State, to the position of Chief of Army Staff remains a significant chapter in Nigeria’s military history.
He was remembered for his infantry background, operational experience, commitment to troops and leadership during challenging security periods.
The Nigerian Army later documented his life and career in a biography titled “A Life of Service”, which highlighted his military achievements, leadership principles and contributions to national security.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja remains remembered as a senior Nigerian military officer whose career reflected discipline, dedication and decades of service to the country.
FAQs: Major General Taoreed Lagbaja Biography
How old was Taoreed Lagbaja when he died?
Taoreed Lagbaja was 56 years old when he died on 5 November 2024.
When did Taoreed Lagbaja become Chief of Army Staff?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff on 19 June 2023. He assumed office on 23 June 2023.
Who was Taoreed Lagbaja’s wife?
Taoreed Lagbaja was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja.
Where was Taoreed Lagbaja from?
Taoreed Lagbaja was from Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.
What rank did Taoreed Lagbaja hold?
Taoreed Lagbaja held the rank of Lieutenant General and served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.
