BREAKING: Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja Reportedly Dies from Cancer

In a tragic development, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, has reportedly passed away from stage three cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas. The news was shared by Nigerian-US investigative journalist Jackson Ude, citing a senior government official. According to the report, Lagbaja succumbed to the illness nearly 48 hours ago.

Details surrounding his death have been shrouded in secrecy, reportedly due to intense lobbying by other generals who are seeking to fill the high-ranking position. This maneuvering within the military ranks has led to speculation and concern over the implications for Nigeria’s armed forces.

Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Lagbaja was appointed as the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023. His tenure was marked by significant challenges and efforts to address various security issues facing the nation. As of the time of this report, there has been no official confirmation from the Defence Headquarters regarding his death, leaving many awaiting a formal statement on this significant loss to the military community and the nation as a whole.