National Telescope national telescope newspaper
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have arrived at the National Cemetery in Abuja for the burial of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The solemn ceremony began at around 3:15 pm after President Tinubu arrived at the venue at 3:10 pm. The President was joined by Vice President Shettima, as well as other high-ranking officials.
The funeral rites commenced with the solemn procession of the casket, followed by a Faith Service and Opening Prayer.
A Minute’s Silence was observed in honour of the late COAS, after which the Last Post was played.
The acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, read the funeral oration, and the national flag was formally presented to Lagbaja’s next of kin.
Following this, President Tinubu, Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa paid their respects to the late Army Chief.
The ceremony concluded with the lowering of the casket into the grave, and President Tinubu led other dignitaries in laying wreaths in tribute to Lt-Gen. Lagbaja.
Lt-Gen. Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a prolonged illness, was mourned by the entire nation.
His death was confirmed by the Presidency, which issued a statement expressing the Commander-in-Chief’s sorrow at the loss.
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu regrets to announce the passing of Lt-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, at age 56. He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt-Gen. Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. He had a distinguished military career, having enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
After completing his training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992.
Over the years, Lt-Gen. Lagbaja rose through the ranks, serving in various key positions, including as platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played a significant role in several major security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger states.
Lt-Gen. Lagbaja was also an alumnus of the prestigious US Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional development and military excellence.
He leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
