Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023. His military journey began in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in September 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course. Known for his unwavering dedication, Lagbaja served as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion, and was instrumental in several internal security missions, such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

A graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, Lt. General Lagbaja exemplified military excellence and leadership, continually advancing his strategic knowledge to serve Nigeria more effectively. 

He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu extends his deepest sympathies to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring the legacy of Lt. General Lagbaja and his profound service to the nation.