President Tinubu Attends Funeral of Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja
President Bola Tinubu has attended the funeral service for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the National Cemetery in Abuja. The ceremony, which began at approximately 3:15 pm, was attended by key dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu arrived at the cemetery at 3:10 pm, taking his seat as the funeral rites commenced. The proceedings started with the setting of the casket by the pallbearers, followed by an opening prayer, the Last Post, and a minute’s silence in honor of the departed Army Chief. After the funeral oration, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, will present the national flag to Lagbaja’s next of kin.
President Tinubu, alongside the Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, will then pay their respects before the casket is lowered into the ground. The President is also expected to lead other dignitaries in laying wreaths in tribute to the late Army Chief.
Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja passed away on the night of November 5, 2024, after a prolonged illness. He was 56 years old. The Presidency announced his death on November 6, expressing deep sorrow. President Tinubu, in his statement, paid tribute to the late Army Chief, describing him as an exceptional leader who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s military efforts.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt-Gen. Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His military career spanned several decades, beginning with his enrollment at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course. Throughout his service, Lagbaja played key roles in various security operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger states.
An alumnus of the US Army War College, Lagbaja also earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and two children.
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed condolences to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, wishing the late Army Chief eternal peace and recognizing his invaluable service to the nation.
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