The late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest in Abuja with a full military procession. Leaders and citizens mourn his passing, celebrating his legacy of courage and service.
Emotions ran high and tributes poured in on Friday as the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja was laid to rest in Abuja, marking the end of a distinguished military career that extended over several decades.
The interment occurred at the National Cemetery in the nation’s capital, concluding two days of funeral ceremonies that started earlier in the week in Lagos.
His body was laid to rest on Mother Earth at precisely 4:41 p.m. following a ceremony that lasted over two hours.
The casket of Lagbaja, adorned in Nigeria’s green and white colors, arrived at the cemetery around 3 PM in a white funeral wagon following a service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Also in attendance were the Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, along with other top government officials and high-ranking military personnel.
In his eulogy, President Tinubu stated that appointing the late Lagbaja was one of his most outstanding decisions since taking office as Nigeria’s leader. He also posthumously awarded him a national honor.
“In lasting recognition of our gratitude, I have bestowed upon the late Chief of Army Staff the posthumous national honor of Commander in the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR),” stated Tinubu. He urged the military to remain resolute and not be disheartened by his passing.
“Let us not be overcome by death, and as your commander-in-chief, I renew my commitment today that the country will always stand by you and your family,” he declared.
General Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, stated that the passing of the Chief of Army Staff will not weaken the military’s determination to combat insecurity.
READ ALSO: Burial of Late Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja, Begins in Abuja (VIDEO)
He urged his fellow officers and men, “Let’s take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to the principles that General Labaja represented.”
Let us be inspired by his sacrifice and service as we continue to defend our great nation. His passing strengthens our determination to overcome all enemies of the state, both domestic and foreign.
The acting COAS, Oluyede, expressed that Lagbaja played a crucial role in his career by nominating him for a national honor even while on his sickbed.
He said, “A considerate brother who, while on his sick bed and prior to any thought of an acting arrangement, chose to nominate me for a national honor rather than putting himself forward.”
The burial on Friday marked the conclusion of funeral rites for the late Lagbaja, who passed away in Lagos after a brief illness on Tuesday, November 5th.
Prior to the late COAS’s interment, a service of songs was held the day before at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft transporting Lagbaja’s body landed at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, coming from Lagos, at approximately 12:15 pm on Thursday.
Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months after being nominated by President Tinubu in June 2023.
