Remembering a soldier’s soldier: The life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army on Monday paid tribute to the life, service, and enduring legacy of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tariq Abdul Abiodun Lagbaja, describing him as a soldier whose courage, dedication, and leadership left an indelible mark on the nation. The homage coincided with the unveiling of his biography, A Life of Service, at the 2025 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Lagos.

The biography, meticulously compiled by Major General H.G. Wesley (retd.), former Chief of Special Services and Programs, Army, chronicles the extraordinary life of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, capturing not just his professional achievements, but also the personal values that guided his service.

The project was championed by Professor C.B.N. Ogbogbo, President of the Association of African Historians and Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University, Delta State, alongside 21 other historians and elder scholars from the Nigerian Army.

The publication was complemented by a documentary produced by the Nigerian Television Authority, providing a visual narration of the former Army Chief’s life.

President Bola Ahmed-Tinubu, described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as “one of my best appointments.” The President recalled the impact of Lagbaja’s leadership on the Army and the nation, stating, “This nation, our armed forces, the army, and everyone acquainted with him are better for that choice. He embodied courage, dedication, and unyielding loyalty to the nation.”

Born in 1968 in Ilobu, Oshun State, and raised in nearby Oshobo, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s discipline and commitment were evident from an early age. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, as part of the 39th Regular Course, graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography before commissioning into the Infantry Corps. His first posting as a platoon commander in the 93rd Battalion, Borno State, revealed a leader who was never behind the lines but always at the front, sharing in the hardships and risks faced by his soldiers.

Rising through the ranks, Lagbaja commanded brigades in Lagos and Oyo States, where he tackled urban insecurity and oil bunkering. He later led as General Officer Commanding 82 Division in the South East and 1 Division in the North West, earning the respect and loyalty of his troops for leading by example and demonstrating unwavering commitment to operational success.

In 2022, as Chief of Operations, he consolidated decades of battlefield experience to guide strategy across multiple theatres of operation. His appointment as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 marked the pinnacle of a career defined by integrity, vision, and a leadership philosophy he called the “Six Cs,” emphasizing training, innovation, civil-military engagement, and strategic foresight. Under his guidance, the Nigerian Army strengthened its operational readiness, improved civil-military relations, and projected Nigeria’s stature internationally.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja received numerous national and international honors, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Field Command Star, and Grand Service Star. Internationally, he was posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College International Hall of Fame in 2025.

General Christopher Musa, who paid tribute to the late Chief, described him as a courageous, exemplary leader whose significant contributions against terrorism and banditry left a lasting void in the military and nation, urging troops to honor Lagbaja’s sacrifice by defeating state enemies.

Muhammed Badaru, described Lagbaja as a “gallant hardworking officer” and a “warrior” who had served commendably in all theaters of war. He hailed the late general’s courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation.

The COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, described the late Army Chief as “a soldier who never asked his men to face danger he would not face himself. He was a commander in the truest sense, walking alongside his soldiers in the theatre of operations, sharing their risks and their burdens.” Shuaibu further praised Lagbaja’s dedication to the welfare of personnel and the strengthening of institutional frameworks, noting that his leadership style blended courage with compassion.

“His legacy is firmly rooted in selfless service and exemplary leadership,”he said.

The biography, A Life of Service, captures the personal values that defined Lt. Gen. Lagbaja unpretentious simplicity, moral courage, empathy for soldiers and their families, loyalty, and patriotism.

The project, General Wesley noted, aimed to ensure that the lessons of his life and leadership could inspire both serving and retired military officers, as well as inform future policy and operational strategies.

Professor Christopher Ogbobo, one of the historians involved, stressed the importance of documenting military experiences for posterity. “Given the quality of training and the diverse experiences of our warriors, it has become imperative to document their lives,” he said. “Those who can, both retired and serving, owe Nigeria that duty. Their experiences are rich and instructive for future generations and policymakers alike.”

The ceremony also highlighted the human dimension of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s life. Beyond the battlefield, he was a devoted husband and father, often playing with his children at dawn and supporting his family after long hours in uniform.

His favorite Christian hymn, Only Remembered by What We Have Done, encapsulated the guiding philosophy of his life, emphasizing legacy, service, and tangible contributions.

His story, from the streets of Ilobu to the highest ranks of the Nigerian Army, exemplifies courage, discipline, and visionary leadership, ensuring that his memory will inspire generations to come.

“Before the medals, before the rank, before the history books, there was this man, Lieutenant General Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja. A leader forged in the dust and fire of service,” a speaker remarked. “Nigeria will remember his heart; history will remember his duty.”said the speaker.

The speech ended with an unveiling of a Book on the life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Toareed Abiodun Lagbaja

Remembering a soldier’s soldier: The life and legacy of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja