Military Honors Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja; See Date When Burial holds
On Thursday, the military leadership gathered to pay tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5 after a brief illness. His remains were transported to Abuja that morning following a solemn ceremony at the Air Force wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, where top military officials, dignitaries, and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, bid him farewell.
The body, brought from a mortuary in Lagos, arrived at 9 a.m. in a cream-colored hearse, and was met by soldiers from the Guards Brigade, who performed a military salute on the runway. At 10:32 a.m., military officials transferred the body into a C-130H aircraft, and it was airlifted at 11:45 a.m. by the 301 Heavy Airlift Squadron.
The funeral procession lasted nearly two hours in Lagos, attended by military wives and family members, before the body arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 12:16 p.m. A guard of honor was held in his honor at the airport, with military leaders present to receive him.
According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja will be laid to rest today at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. A service of songs was held in his memory on Thursday in the capital.
Tributes Highlight Lagbaja’s Extraordinary Leadership
During a memorial service, Maj. Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, reflected on the late general’s exceptional leadership. Aligbe noted that Lagbaja was the only officer to command a battalion twice, recalling their shared training journey from 1987, when they began their military careers as part of the 39 Regular Course. Aligbe described Lagbaja as an inspirational leader who commanded with distinction at every level, leaving a lasting legacy.
Bilikisu Ibrahim, representing the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, paid tribute to Lagbaja as a man of deep faith whose spiritual strength guided him through many challenges. She praised his unwavering commitment to his duty, noting how his faith and conviction were integral to his leadership and sacrifice for the nation.
Tade Adekunle, Global President of St. Charles Old Boys Association, read a poignant poem written by a student, calling Lagbaja an “immortal hero” whose legacy would continue to inspire generations. The poem honored his courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice for the country.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
In a heartfelt statement, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Armed Forces, acknowledging Lagbaja’s immense contributions to the country. Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff for just over a year, having been appointed in June 2023.
His military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992. Lagbaja’s leadership was crucial in several major national security operations, including Operations ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, Udoka, and Forest Sanity. A graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, he exemplified military excellence throughout his distinguished career.
Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
