Lagos, December 15, 2025** – The Nigerian Army has paid glowing tribute to its late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, with the unveiling of his biography titled *A Life of Service* during the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos.
The event highlighted Lagbaja’s remarkable career, marked by courage, dedication, and transformative leadership, leaving an enduring legacy in the fight against insecurity and in strengthening the Army’s operational capabilities.
The biography, compiled by retired Major General H.G. Wesley, former Chief of Special Services and Programs (Army), was a collaborative effort led by Professor C.B.N. Ogbogbo, President of the Association of African Historians and Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University, Delta State, alongside a team of 21 historians and senior scholars from the Nigerian Army.
A complementary documentary produced by the Nigerian Television Authority was also premiered, offering a visual chronicle of the late general’s life and contributions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as “one of my best appointments,” praising his embodiment of courage, dedication, and loyalty. “This nation, our armed forces, the Army, and everyone acquainted with him are better for that choice,” the President stated.
Born in 1968 in Ilobu, Osun State, and raised in Osogbo, Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39th Regular Course, commissioning into the Infantry Corps in 1992 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Geography.
His career saw him lead from the front, starting as a platoon commander in Borno State, and progressing to command brigades in Lagos and Oyo, as well as serving as General Officer Commanding 82 Division (South East) and 1 Division (North West).
Appointed the 23rd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, he introduced his “Six Cs” leadership philosophy, focusing on training, innovation, and civil-military relations, significantly enhancing operational readiness and Nigeria’s international military standing.
The late general was decorated with numerous honours, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, and Grand Service Star. In 2025, he was posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College International Hall of Fame.
Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, in his tribute, called Lagbaja a courageous and exemplary leader whose contributions against terrorism and banditry created a lasting void, urging troops to honour his memory by decisively defeating threats to the nation.
The conference, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Tinubu, underscored the Army’s commitment to preserving the legacies of its heroes.
