Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, has died at age 56 following an illness.

His passing was announced on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the general died on Tuesday night in Lagos.

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Lagbaja’s death, calling it a significant loss to the nation.

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“The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff,” the statement read.

Lagbaja’s military career spanned nearly four decades, marked by dedicated service and leadership.

Born on February 28, 1968, he began his journey in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992 and quickly distinguished himself in various roles, including as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He played key roles in multiple security operations across Nigeria, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger states, aimed at addressing insurgency and instability in these regions.

Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. He was an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, showcasing his commitment to both military expertise and academic achievement.

Survived by his wife, Mariya, and two children, Lt. General Lagbaja leaves behind a legacy of service.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to his family and the Armed Forces, honoring him as a patriot and a respected leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s security will be remembered.

With votes still being counted in the United States’ November 5, presidential election, major news outlets have begun indicating that Republican Party candidate will win.

Fox News declared on X on Wednesday morning  “The FOX News Decision Desk projects former President Donald Trump will be the 47th president, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump makes history with a political comeback, becoming the first president since Grover Cleveland in the 1800s to return to office after a defeat — a rare twist that highlights his influence in American politics.”

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On its part, the CNN International reports “Donald Trump addresses supporters, saying he will usher in a “golden age of America.” CNN has yet to project a winner, but he is within a handful of electoral votes from 270.”

With the presidential candidate of the Republican Party in the United States’ November 5 election, Donald Trump, in pole position of returning to the White House, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated him.

The Israeli Prime Minister took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday morning to congratulate Trump.

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Netanyahu wrote, “Dear Donald and Melania Trump,

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!

“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.

“This is a huge victory!

“In true friendship,
“yours,
“Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu”