The remains of late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja arrived in Abuja on Thursday, ahead of a scheduled burial at the National Military Cemetery.
Lt Gen Lagbaja’s casket touched down at exactly 12:16 pm, where senior military officials, colleagues, and family members were present to receive it in a solemn ceremony.
Upon arrival, the fallen army chief’s body was greeted with a traditional guard of honor as it was escorted along a red carpet in the airport’s presidential wing. This somber event marked the beginning of several ceremonies planned to honor his service and dedication to Nigeria. Funeral services will start on Thursday with a Service of Songs, and the final interment is set for Friday afternoon.
In a heartfelt statement, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, acknowledging the late general’s contributions to national security. Born on February 28, 1968, Lt Gen Lagbaja’s military journey began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, leading to a commission in the Infantry Corps as a Second Lieutenant in 1992.
Throughout his distinguished career, Lagbaja led key operations that strengthened Nigeria’s security. Notable operations under his command included Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger states. His leadership was shaped by a dedication to continuous learning, having studied at the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
Lt Gen Lagbaja, appointed as Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children, along with a legacy of dedication to peace and military professionalism in Nigeria.
