President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja to attend the interment of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 56.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top officials, including Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, joined the President at the solemn event.
The burial rites commenced at 3:15 p.m. with the setting of the casket by pallbearers, followed by a faith service, a minute of silence, and the traditional “Last Post.”
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, will present the national flag to the late officer’s next of kin.
In his tribute, President Tinubu hailed Lagbaja’s contributions to national security. “Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s service to our nation will never be forgotten. His dedication and sacrifice embody the spirit of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Lagbaja’s legacy, the President expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and the military. “We mourn the loss of a great patriot. My prayers are with his family, and I honor his exceptional commitment to safeguarding Nigeria,” he added.
Lagbaja’s distinguished military career began in 1987 when he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992, he served in various capacities, including as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played key roles in internal security operations, such as Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Zaki in Benue, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger states.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. His appointment as Chief of Army Staff came in June 2023, underscoring his professional excellence and leadership.
Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. In a statement, Tinubu described the late general as “an embodiment of bravery, loyalty, and excellence.”
The ceremony concluded with the lowering of Lagbaja’s casket, the laying of wreaths, and final tributes from dignitaries.
