Dignified farewell ceremony took place early this morning at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, where the remains of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, former Chief of Army Staff, were flown to Abuja. At approximately 9:25 a.m., the casket was respectfully moved from the morgue to the Air Force wing of the airport, marking the final journey of a widely respected military leader.

In a heartfelt display of tribute, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat joined the farewell, alongside a diverse assembly of high-ranking officials and traditional dignitaries. The gathering included white cap chiefs representing the Oba of Lagos, senior military figures, as well as officers from the police and paramilitary forces. Members of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) and a number of retired generals were also present to pay their respects, underscoring General Lagbaja’s profound impact on the nation’s defense community.

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The atmosphere grew even more solemn as the Army band began playing the Nigerian national anthem. The casket, adorned with the national flag, was carefully borne by senior officers from both the Army and Navy. As the funeral procession advanced toward the waiting aircraft, a slow, respectful march accompanied by the military band’s mournful notes encapsulated the moment’s gravity.

Deputy Governor Hamzat, alongside other officials, followed closely behind the honor guard, who escorted the casket up the aircraft steps to the NAF 198 C130, Nigeria’s military transport aircraft. In a final tribute, more than 140 men stood in a respectful formation, offering one last salute to their former commander-in-chief. With this gesture, the plane took flight for Abuja, where the nation will continue to honor Lt. General Lagbaja’s service and legacy.