Military Pays Last Respect To Late COAS Lagbaja, Burial Holds Today

The military high command, on Thursday, paid last respect to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday, November 5, after a brief illness.

The deceased, according to the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, would be buried at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja today (Friday).

A service of songs was held in his honour in Abuja, on Thursday.

The Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, praised the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Lagbaja, as an extraordinary military leader.

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He said little wonder he was the only officer to command a battalion twice.

Aligbe spoke on behalf of the 39 Regular Course at the Songs of Service ceremony.

Aligbe recalled their commissioning as part of the 39 Regular Course on September 12, 1987, where 199 officer cadets began their training to join the armed forces.

He added that from the beginning, Lagbaja stood out as a born leader.

He said, “On the 12th of September, 1987, I, then officer cadet, Taoreed Lagbaja, and 199 of us assembled for training as members of the 39 regular corps.

He urged the military community to embody the values of service and dedication that Lagbaja held dear.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, Bilikisu Ibrahim described Lagabaja as a man of faith whose spirit was rooted in devotion and conviction.

She said, “To those he served, he was a pillar of protection, an unwavering beacon amidst storms of insanity and threats.

“But beyond our soldiers was a man of faith, a spirit rooted in devotion and conviction. In the trials of duty, he held fast to his spirituality, finding in prayers the fortitude that guided him through the darkest battles.

“His beliefs were his anchor, a quiet force that strengthened him as he led a sacrifice for the nation he loved.

“His life was not only a mission of arms but of the heart. A journey where faith met duty and courage met compassion. As we gather hands held in solace and grief, we recall the gentleness in his smile, the depth of his wisdom, the vision that he led armies and inspired peace.”

The Global President of St Charles Old Boys Association, Tade Adekunle, who read a poem written by a Senior Secondary School Two student of the school, described Lagabaja as an immortal hero.

In a statement, President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the late army chief’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt Gen Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months, following his appointment by Tinubu in June 2023.

His distinguished military career began in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.

Throughout his service, Lagbaja commanded operations that were vital to national security, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the South East, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger states.