The Presidency has announced the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja.
There 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.
Lagbaja was 56 years, and was appointed COAS by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja 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,” the statement reads.
“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,” Onanuga added.
