Taoreed Lagbaja's biography: Age, wife, State of origin and career

The late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army from June 2023 to November 2024. His journey from Second Lieutenant to the sitting CAOS filled Nigerians with intrigue about his personal life. Taoreed Lagbaja's biography reveals what defined him in and out of uniform.

Key takeaways

• Taoreed Lagbaja attended St. Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College in Osogbo
• He was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on June 23, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu.
• Lagbaja passed away on November 5, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, at the age of 56.
• He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.

Profile summary

Taoreed Lagbaja's biography

The former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff was born on 28 February 1968. Despite having a high-profile career, details of Lagbaja's immediate family remain unknown.

What is Lagbaja's age?

Born on 28 February 1968, the Lieutenant General was 56 years old as of his death (in 2024). His zodiac sign was Pisces.

Which state is Taoreed Lagbaja from?

He was born in the village of Ilobu in the Federal Republic of Nigeria's Osun State, in the Irepodun Local Government Area.

Taoreed Lagbaja's educational background

Taoreed attended St Charles Grammar School in Osogbo, Osun State. He studied at The Polytechnic in Ibadan between 1984 and 1986, where he obtained his West African School Certificate.

He received his Defence Forces admission in 1987 to the Nigerian Defence Academy in the 39th Regular Course, where he later served between 2001 and 2004. The Second Lieutenant's quest for higher education began at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies at the US Army War College.

He received a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation Medal and has completed two peacekeeping courses. Between February and May 2008, he completed a Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

Two years later, he did an ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post course at the Alioune Blondin Beye Peacekeeping School in Bamako, Mali.

Career

On 19 September 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps. In the same year, he began his service as a platoon commander of the 93 Battalion until 1995, when he moved to the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He was the commander of two brigades: one in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and another in Ikeja, Lagos State. He served as the GAOC of Headquarters 82 Division and Headquarters 1 Division from 2021 to 2022.

In June 2023, he joined the ranks of Nigeria's national heroes as the new Chief of Army Staff. His appointment came after President Bola Tinubu approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs.

The serviceman has received various awards for his service, ranging from a Meritorious Service Star to a Distinguished Service Star to a Field Command Medal of Honour. Here is a summary of the operations he has participated in or led.

Who is Taoreed Lagbaja's wife?

The Lieutenant General was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, the president of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association. Mariya is a formidable figure in Nigeria's military family support organisations, holding various leadership positions and leading humanitarian efforts.

Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja's biography

Mariya was married to the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria. Their marriage spanned nearly 17 years, characterised by deep friendship and mutual support.

They had two children together. Following her husband's passing in November 2024, Mariya expressed profound love and admiration for him in a heartfelt tribute, stating,

"My love for you will never wane, remains eternal"

As the 23rd National President of NAOWA, Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of military families. She led programs that supported over 1,500 widows and wives of soldiers, offering essential aid and empowerment opportunities.

In honour of her significant contributions, the Nigerian Army dedicated a recreational park in Jos to Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja. This park serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the welfare of officers, soldiers, and their families, particularly within the 3 Division.

What is Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja's religion?

There is some ambiguity regarding Mariya's and Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja's religion. While some reports describe Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja as a Muslim, others suggest he was a Christian and a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Similarly, Mariya has also been linked to RCCG, but her religious affiliation has not been officially confirmed. Due to conflicting sources, the exact religious identities of both individuals remain unclear.

Taoreed Lagbaja's net worth

Determining the precise net worth of a public figure like Taoreed Lagbaja is challenging due to the private nature of personal finances. However, considering his role as Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, it's reasonable to estimate that his net worth could range from several hundred thousand to a few million dollars, in line with averages for comparable positions globally.

What caused Taoreed Lagbaja's death?

The Nigerian Army confirmed that General Lagbaja had been receiving medical treatment abroad before his death. However, the specific nature of his illness was not disclosed in official statements.

Some reports linked General Lagbaja’s death to stage three cancer, while others speculated diabolical causes tied to a land dispute in Ilobu, Osun State—none of which have been officially verified. President Tinubu mourned him as a devoted patriot, noting he was the third Nigerian Chief of Army Staff to die in office.

The late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja's biography paints the picture of a loyal and dedicated serviceman to his country. Excelling in every rank he has held, Lagbaja has demonstrated the qualities that have supported his rise in the military. He was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja and had two children together.

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Source: Legit.ng