Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the late Chief of Army Staff, was laid to rest today at the National Cemetery in Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu and other high-ranking officials in attendance. The solemn ceremony began with the arrival of President Tinubu, who was joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, among other dignitaries.
The funeral rites included prayers, a moment of silence, and a final salute. Following the reading of a funeral oration, Acting COAS Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede presented the national flag to Lagbaja’s family, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for his service. The casket was then lowered, and President Tinubu led the wreath-laying in Lagbaja's memory.
Lagbaja, who passed away at the age of 56 after an illness, had a distinguished military career. Appointed COAS in June 2023 by President Tinubu, he was known for his dedication and leadership in various internal security operations, including Operations ZAKI, Lafiya Dole, Udoka, and Forest Sanity. He was an alumnus of the US Army War College and earned a Master’s in Strategic Studies. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu offered heartfelt condolences to his family and the Armed Forces, honoring Lagbaja's legacy and contributions to national security.