CLOSE UP: Meet the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Lagbaja

Major General Taoreed Lagbaja is the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The new COAS, Lagbaja hails from Ilobu in Oṣun and is a member of the 39 regular course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He holds a Bachelor Degree in Geography from Nigerian Defense Academy(NDA) Kaduna, and a Masters Degree from the U.S. Army War College.

Until his elevation as COAS, Lagbaja was the Chief of Operation (Army), and had served as General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Kaduna as well as 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu.

He had participated and held command positions in several military operations, including Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi Peninsula, United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Operation ZAKI.

He was also part of the Internal Security Operation in Benue; Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and Internal Security Operation in the South East.

As GOC 1 Division in Kaduna, he personally led troops of Operation FOREST SANITY in confronting terrorists in Kaduna and Niger States.