On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Nigerian military and dignitaries gathered to honor the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, after a brief illness. His body was brought to the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, where the military held a solemn ceremony to pay their final respects.

The body, which arrived at the Air Force wing of the airport in a cream-colored hearse at 9 a.m., was greeted by soldiers of the Guards Brigade, who conducted a military parade. After a brief ceremony, the body was carefully transferred to a C-130H NAF aircraft at 10:32 a.m. and airlifted to Abuja, where it arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by 12:16 p.m.

A guard of honor was presented to the remains at the Abuja airport, and military officers were present to oversee the arrival. Lt Gen Lagbaja will be laid to rest today, Friday, November 15, at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

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Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, representing the 39 Regular Course, praised Lagbaja’s exceptional leadership and his unique distinction of commanding a battalion twice. Aligbe, reflecting on their shared history, recalled how Lagbaja stood out as a leader from their commissioning in 1987. “He believed in the indivisibility of Nigeria and dedicated his life to service,” Aligbe said.

Bilikisu Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, described Lagbaja as a man of faith, whose leadership was rooted in devotion and conviction. “His beliefs were his anchor,” Ibrahim shared, emphasizing his strength both as a military leader and as a person of deep spirituality.

Poignant tributes were also paid by Tade Adekunle, Global President of St Charles Old Boys Association, who read a poem honoring Lagbaja’s legacy. Describing him as an “immortal hero,” Adekunle celebrated his courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s security.

President Bola Tinubu also expressed his condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, acknowledging his valuable service to the nation.

Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, had a distinguished military career, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Army Staff in June 2023. Over his years of service, he commanded critical operations, including in Benue, Borno, the South East, and Northern Nigeria. Lagbaja’s legacy in military strategy and leadership will long be remembered. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.