The remains of the late Nigerian Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, were interred today in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, amid military fanfare, tributes, and tears.
It marked the end of an illustrious military career that began in 1988.
Lagbaja’s body was lowered into the ground at the National Military Cemetery at exactly 4:41 pm in a ceremony that lasted over two hours. His casket, draped in Nigeria’s green and white colors, arrived at the cemetery around 3 pm in a white funeral wagon following a funeral service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, and other top government officials and military brass.
A Grateful President Speaks
In his eulogy, President Tinubu described the late Lagbaja’s appointment as one of his finest decisions since assuming office as Nigeria’s leader. He then conferred on the late General a posthumous award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) “As an eternal symbol” of the nation’s appreciation for his service. He urged the military not to be demoralized by the COAS’s demise. “Please, do not let death defeat us, and I, as commander-in-chief, renew my pledge to you today that the country will always support you and your family,” he added.
#RIPGeneralLagbaja pic.twitter.com/E1OMTamQuY
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) November 15, 2024
In response, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, promised that the demise of the COAS would not dampen the military’s resolve to fight insecurity. “To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideals for which General Lagbaja stood. Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We will use his passing to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside,” Musa stated.
Before the interment, a service of songs was held the previous day at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. The Nigerian Air Force airplane carrying Lagbaja’s body arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 12:15 pm on Thursday. The military high command paid their last respects to the late Chief of Army Staff, who died on Tuesday, November 5, after a brief illness.
Journey to Final Resting Place
Lagbaja’s corpse departed for Abuja on Thursday morning after top military personnel and other dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, paid their last respects at the Air Force wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja. The body, brought from a mortuary in the state, arrived at the Nigerian Air Force wing in a cream-colored SUV hearse at precisely 9 am.
It was received by soldiers of the Guards Brigade, who held a military parade on the strip of the Air Force wing. At precisely 10 am, the body was taken out of the hearse and placed on a trolley as six top military officials slowly moved it into the C-130H NAF aircraft at exactly 10:32 am. The 301 heavy airlift crew airlifted the corpse at 11:45 am.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL TAOREED ABIODUN LAGBAJA pic.twitter.com/W3IqzfYom5
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) November 14, 2024
The ceremony in Lagos lasted for close to two hours and was attended by representatives of the military wives association and some members of the deceased’s family. His remains later arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at precisely 12:16 pm in preparation for his final interment. Upon arrival at the Abuja airport, a guard of honor was accorded the body, and top military officers were on the ground to receive it.
Unending Tributes
The Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, praised the late Chief of Army Staff as an extraordinary military leader. He noted that Lagbaja was the only officer to command a battalion twice. Aligbe spoke on behalf of the 39 Regular Course at the Songs of Service ceremony, reflecting on their shared journey and recalling their commissioning as part of the 39 Regular Course on September 12, 1987. “Right from the beginning, he led with no doubt. He was, first and foremost, an operational commander,” Aligbe said. He urged the military community to embody the values of service and dedication that Lagbaja held dear.
THE IMMORTAL HERO
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) November 15, 2024
A militant heart, now still and cold
The Nation mourn, both young and old
A warrior soul, a patriot might
On the field of faith, you shone so bright
With every piece of breath, you shield our motherland
Leading brave men with a steadfast hand
Boot now empty,… pic.twitter.com/1UyvxR6I20
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, Bilikisu Ibrahim described Lagbaja as a man of faith whose spirit was rooted in devotion and conviction. “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,” she said.
The Global President of St Charles Old Boys Association, Tade Adekunle, read a Senior Secondary School Two student poem describing Lagbaja as an immortal hero. “The immortal hero, a militant heart, now still and cold. The nation mourns, both young and old. A warrior’s soul, a poet’s might. On the field of faith, you shone so bright,” Adekunle recited.
Final Weeks
General Lagbaja had been out of official duties since August, sparking speculations about his health. Initially, the government dismissed the speculations but later admitted that the Army Chief had been sick. It wasn’t until an acting Chief of Army Staff was appointed that Nigerians knew Lagbaja’s condition had worsened. His death was confirmed two days later. What he ailed from was never disclosed.
Life And Times of Gen. Lagbaja
Early Life and Education:
- Born: February 28, 1968, in Irepodun, Osun State, Nigeria.
- Education: Attended St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College in Osogbo. He later joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Military Career:
- Commissioned: As a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992.
- Early Assignments: Served as platoon commander of the 93 Battalion (1992-1995) and 72 Special Forces Battalion (1995-2001).
- Academic Pursuits: Obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the NDA and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
- Instructor and Staff Roles: Instructed at the NDA from 2001 to 2004 and served as a Grade 2 Staff Officer in charge of peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations.
- Command Positions: Commanding Officer at 72 Special Forces Battalion (2012-2013 and 2014-2015), Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division (2016), Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations (2018), Commander of Headquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos State, and Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
- General Officer Commanding: Headquarters 82 Division (March 2021 to August 2022) and Headquarters 1 Division (August 2022 to June 2023).
Chief of Army Staff:
- Appointment: Appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, succeeding Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
- Service: Served as Chief of Army Staff from June 2023 until his death on November 5, 2024.
Lt general LAGBAJA Has a beautiful family. May the good lord console them ijn amen!!!. 🕊️🕊️ https://t.co/5Mvd1YlpwN pic.twitter.com/xzMJRPKh0e
— Nigerian_military_cruise (@milicruise_nig) November 14, 2024
Personal Life:
- Family: Married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, with three children.
Death:
- Passed Away: November 5, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, at the age of 56. His death followed a brief illness, and he was replaced in an acting capacity by Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede a week before his passing.
Lagbaja’s distinguished career and dedication to the Nigerian Army left a lasting legacy. His contributions to national security and his leadership qualities were widely recognized and honored.
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