The tragic demise of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of the Army Staff, who passed away at the age of 56 has once again thrown Nigeria into commotion.

On Wednesday, while Nigerians endured the pain of living in darkness following the collapse of the National Grid, news of Lagbaja’s demise began to surface.

His demise was announced by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, via a statement on X.

Onanuga stated that Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Here are things to know late COAS Lagbaja:

– Lagbaja, was born in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State on 28 February 1968.

– He was the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

– Lagbaja attended Local Authority Teachers College Demonstration School Osogbo between 1973 – 1979.

Also Read: Chief Of Army Staff Lagbaja Is Dead

– He attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan from 1984 to 1986 and obtained West African School Certificate (Advanced Level).

– He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 12, 1987 as a member of 39th Regular Course.

– The COAS was commissioned as 2Lt on September 19, 1992 into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.

– He holds a Bachelor’s in Geography from NDA Kaduna and a Master’s from U.S. Army War College.

– Until his elevation as COAS, Lagbaja was the chief of operation (Army) and had served as General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Kaduna, and 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu.

– Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

– Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and two children.