The Nigerian Army today paid glowing tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, highlighting his extraordinary courage, dedication, and transformative leadership that profoundly impacted the nation's security forces.
The tribute was delivered during the 2025 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Lagos, where his official biography, titled A Life of Service, was unveiled. The book, compiled by retired Major General H.G. Wesley, former Chief of Special Services and Programs (Army), offers a comprehensive account of Lagbaja's distinguished career and the core values that defined his service.
The biography project was spearheaded by Professor C.B.N. Ogbogbo, President of the Association of African Historians and Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University in Delta State, in collaboration with 21 historians and senior scholars from the Nigerian Army.
Complementing the publication, the Nigerian Television Authority produced a documentary that visually chronicles the late general's remarkable journey.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Lagbaja as "one of my best appointments," emphasizing his profound influence: "This nation, our armed forces, the Army, and everyone acquainted with him are better for that choice. He embodied courage, dedication, and unyielding loyalty to the nation."
Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, and raised in Osogbo, Lagbaja displayed early signs of discipline and commitment. He entered the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna as part of the 39th Regular Course, graduating in 1992 with a BSc in Geography and commissioning into the Infantry Corps.
His initial posting as a platoon commander in the 93rd Battalion in Borno State set the tone for his career: a frontline leader who shared risks and hardships with his troops. Advancing through the ranks, he commanded brigades in Lagos and Oyo States, combating urban insecurity and oil bunkering. He later served as General Officer Commanding the 82 Division in the South East and the 1 Division in the North West, earning deep respect for his hands-on approach and operational excellence.
In 2022, as Chief of Operations (Army), he drew on extensive battlefield experience to shape strategies across multiple theaters. Appointed the 23rd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, Lagbaja introduced his "Six Cs" leadership philosophy, focusing on training, innovation, civil-military relations, and strategic foresight. His tenure enhanced the Army's readiness, strengthened community ties, and elevated Nigeria's international military profile.
Lagbaja was decorated with prestigious national awards, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Field Command Medal, and Grand Service Star. In 2025, he was posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College International Hall of Fame – the first Nigerian officer to receive this honor.
Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, in his tribute, described Lagbaja as an exemplary and courageous leader whose efforts against terrorism and banditry created a significant void. He urged troops to honor his legacy by decisively defeating threats to the nation.
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