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Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has described the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja as a sad loss to the country.
Governor Makinde who described Lagbaja as a patriot and one of the finest military officers produced by the country, expressed his condolences to the President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army.
He equally commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased COAS as well as the Government and people of Osun State on the demise of their illustrious son, praying to Allah to grant repose to his soul.
LEADERSHIP had reported that as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Tinubu announced the passing of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja who died at the age of 56.
A statement by the Presidency signed by Bayo Onanuga said Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
The late Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968 and was appointed as the 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 wife, Mariya, and their two children.
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