By Ayomide Otitoju
The late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest on Friday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, marking the end of an illustrious career in the Nigerian Army. The burial concluded two days of solemn funeral rites that began earlier in Lagos.
The ceremony, attended by top military and government officials, saw Lagbaja’s casket, draped in Nigeria’s green and white flag, arrive at the cemetery around 3:00 p.m. in a white funeral wagon following a funeral service at the National Christian Centre. The burial proceedings lasted over four hours, with his body lowered into the earth at exactly 4:41 p.m.
Dignitaries Pay Final Respects
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru were among the dignitaries who paid their last respects.
In his tribute, President Tinubu described Lagbaja’s appointment as one of the most impactful decisions of his presidency. He conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic of the Niger (CFR), on the late COAS, pledging unwavering support for the military and the bereaved family.
“Please, do not let death defeat us. I, as Commander-in-Chief, renew my pledge to you today that the country will always support you and your family,” Tinubu stated.
A Call to Resolve
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized that Lagbaja’s passing should strengthen the military’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
“To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideals for which General Lagbaja stood. His sacrifice and service will continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation,” Musa said.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, the Acting COAS, recounted Lagbaja’s selflessness, revealing how the late COAS nominated him for a national honour even while battling illness.
“A caring brother, who on his sick bed, rather than nominating himself for a national honour, instead nominated my good self,” Oluyede said, lauding his predecessor’s generosity and leadership.
A Life of Service
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, served as Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment by President Tinubu in June 2023. He passed away in Lagos on November 5, 2024, after a brief illness.
Before Friday’s interment, a service of songs was held on Thursday at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. His body, flown to Abuja aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 12:15 p.m.
The nation bids farewell to a leader who devoted his life to service, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication in the Nigerian Army.
