President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived at the National Cemetery for the interment of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.
President Tinubu took his seat at the venue at 03:10 pm for the funeral rites which began at about 03:15 pm.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is also attending the funeral.
The rites begin with the setting of the casket by the Pall Bearers, Faith Service/Opening Prayer, the Last Post and a Minute’s silence for the departed Army Chief.
After the Reading of the Funeral Oration, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, will present the national flag to Lagbaja’s next of kin.
The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Defense Minister and the President will pay their respects to the late Army Chief after which the casket holding his remains will be lowered into his final resting place.
Tinubu will then lead other dignitaries to lay wreaths in Lagbaja’s honour.
The presidency announced the demise of the late Army Chief who passed away on Tuesday, November 5, after a period of illness.
It said, “President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Late COAS Lagbaja’s distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
“He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement said.
Present at the event are the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The leadership of National Assembly led by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Abdulrazak Abdulraham, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, Members of the Executive Council, Chief Justice of the Federation, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Others are Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Director General Directorate of State Security Service, Adeola Oluwatosin, Former NSA, Babagana Munguno, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Royal Fathers amongst others.
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