Nigeria is preparing to say its final goodbye to Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Abuja on Friday, following a series of ceremonial rites planned to honor his service and dedication to the Nigerian Army.
The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyode, made the announcement on Wednesday on behalf of the Nigerian Army.
The late COAS was 56 years old at the time of his passing.
A solemn service of songs will be held on Thursday in Lagbaja’s honor at the Army Headquarters’ Garrison Parade Ground in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
The service will allow family members, military officers, and the public to pay their respects to the late general, who served his country with distinction.
On Friday, a funeral service will take place at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
Following the service, the late General Lagbaja will be interred at the National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja, known for his loyalty, discipline, and service, was a highly respected figure within the Nigerian Army.
He held various critical positions throughout his career and was known for his dedication to national security and military discipline.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deep sorrow over Lagbaja’s death, offering condolences to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja was a man of duty and courage,” said President Tinubu in a statement.
“His legacy of service to Nigeria will be remembered, and he will be given a befitting state burial as a mark of respect for his lifetime of sacrifice.”
Lagbaja’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the military community, as he was actively serving as the Chief of Army Staff before his death.
He had been a stabilizing figure within the Army and was admired for his leadership skills and dedication to peace and stability in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army has organized the burial proceedings with the utmost respect, planning every detail to honor Lagbaja’s legacy.
Acting COAS Oluyode emphasized that the late general would be remembered as a symbol of commitment and courage.
“Lieutenant General Lagbaja gave everything to this country,” Oluyode said. “We mourn him, but we are also grateful for his invaluable contributions to the Nigerian Army and to Nigeria.”
The late General Lagbaja had a distinguished military career spanning over three decades.
He rose through the ranks, serving in various leadership roles before being appointed Chief of Army Staff.
Lagbaja’s tenure was marked by significant initiatives aimed at modernizing the Army and enhancing its operational effectiveness.
His leadership was instrumental in tackling security challenges, especially in the northern regions of Nigeria.
Lagbaja’s colleagues and subordinates have described him as a soldier’s soldier, a leader who was deeply committed to the welfare of his troops and the success of military missions.
In his words, President Tinubu referred to Lagbaja as “a true patriot who gave his best for Nigeria.”
