Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja Biography: Personal Life
Lagbaja was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and together they had two children. Outside his military duties, he enjoyed watching documentaries and reading biographies, reflecting his appreciation for history and global perspectives.
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja Biography: Early Life and Education
Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, a town in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Osogbo, where he attended St. Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College. Known for his passion for learning, Lagbaja pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy and later obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
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Military Career Beginnings
Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 12, 1987, as part of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on September 19, 1992, and began his service in the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. In his early career, he served as a platoon commander with the 93 Battalion (1992-1995) and the 72 Special Forces Battalion (1995-2001). His notable contributions during these formative years demonstrated his dedication and leadership.
Professional Development and Key Assignments
Throughout his career, Lagbaja continued to grow in rank and responsibility, achieving the rank of Major General on September 12, 2019. He held multiple significant positions, including:
- Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy (2001-2004)
- Deputy Chief of Staff, G1 at Headquarters 81 Division (2009)
- Commanding Officer, 72 Special Forces Battalion, Makurdi (2012-2013, 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, Headquarters 9 Brigade, Lagos (2018-2019), and Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo (2019-2020)
Command Positions and Operations
Lagbaja was instrumental in several key internal security and peacekeeping operations, both locally and internationally:
- United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC)
- Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula
- Operation ZAKI for internal security in Benue State
- Operation LAFIYA DOLE, combating insurgency in northeastern Nigeria
- Operation MESA/UDO KA in southeastern Nigeria (2021-2022)
- Operation FOREST SANITY in Kaduna and Niger states (2022-2023)
Before becoming Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja served as the General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division (2021-2022) and Headquarters 1 Division (2022-2023), overseeing security in critical regions of the country.
Appointment as Chief of Army Staff
On June 19, 2023, Lieutenant General Lagbaja was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu, succeeding Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya. His appointment underscored his extensive experience, proven leadership, and commitment to the Nigerian Army’s core values.
Legacy and Impact
Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s career was marked by his dedication to Nigeria’s security and his influence on the development of the Nigerian Army. He was a highly respected figure in the military, known for his strategic insight and strong leadership. He served the Nigerian Army with distinction until his passing on November 5, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from Wikipedia. All details cannot be independently verified by Daily News 24 or its editorial team
