Lt Gen Lagbaja Laid To Rest Amid Tributes To His Leadership, Legacy
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
The Nigerian military on Thursday honoured the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5 after a brief illness.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that his remain was flown to Abuja for final interment, following a solemn ceremony attended by top military personnel Deputy, the Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Dr.Obafemi Hazmat and other prominent Nigerians at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
The body of the deceased military Chief, brought in a cream-colored hearse from a Lagos mortuary, arrived at the Air Force wing at 9am. Soldiers of the Guards Brigade held a ceremonial parade before the remains were placed aboard a C-130H aircraft by senior military officials at 10:32am.
The airlift was completed at 11:45am., concluding a two-hour tribute attended by top officers, family members, and representatives of military wives' associations.
Upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 12:16pm., another guard of honor received the body.
A service of songs was later held in his memory. Today, he will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, according to Army spokesperson, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu.
During the service, Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, described Lagbaja as an exceptional leader and the only officer in Nigerian military history to command a battalion twice.
Reflecting on their shared journey, Aligbe praised Lagbaja’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and security.
“He believed in service and gave everything for Nigeria. It’s now our duty to uphold the values he cherished,” Aligbe said.
OTN News reports that Bilikisu Ibrahim, representing the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, hailed Lagbaja’s faith and compassion, describing him as a symbol of courage and devotion.
“His life was a mission of faith, duty, and sacrifice,” she said.
President Bola Tinubu also expressed his condolences, acknowledging Lagbaja’s critical contributions to national security during operations such as ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, and Forest Sanity.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 and served for over a year.
An alumnus of the United States Army War College, he held a Master’s in Strategic Studies and was celebrated for his exemplary leadership and dedication.
Lt Gen Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and two children.
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