UPDATED: Late COAS Lagbaja’s Body Arrives in Abuja, Guard of Honour Held

The body of the late Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja, has arrived in Abuja, with a respectful guard of honour marking the arrival. 

The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, have been transported to Abuja for his burial on Friday.

The Nigerian Airforce plane NAF 918, which was transporting the body of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), arrived at around 12:15 PM on Thursday at the presidential wing of Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 11 a.m.

The military high command was present in Abuja to receive the remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, accompanied by a military band playing at full volume.

Upon arrival at Abuja airport, the late Chief of Army Staff’s body was honored with a guard of honor and escorted down a red carpet in full view of Nigeria’s top military officials.

Lagbaja passed away in Lagos following an undisclosed illness.

In this challenging period, President Bola Tinubu conveyed his deepest sympathies to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed by President Tinubu as the Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 and served in this role for one year and four months.

READ ALSO: Remi Tinubu and Others Pay Condolence Visit to Family of Late COAS Lagbaja

He embarked on his military career by enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Infantry Corps as part of the 39th Regular Course.

Lt. General Lagbaja additionally held the position of platoon commander in both the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

He played key roles in various internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity throughout Kaduna and Niger States.

He is a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, showcasing his commitment to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is remembered by his devoted wife, Mariya, and their two children.