The Nigerian Army has announced the burial arrangements for the late Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, at age 56.

In a statement released by Acting COAS, Lt. Gen. OO Oluyode, a service of songs will be held on Thursday at the Army Headquarters’ Garrison Parade Ground in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. The final funeral service will follow on Friday at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s death marks the second time in three years that a sitting Chief of Army Staff has passed away in office, following Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru’s untimely death in 2021.

READ ALSO : Presidency announces passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, dedicated 36 years to the Nigerian Army, having begun his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Corps in 1992, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Army Staff in June 2023. Known for his leadership in key security operations, Lagbaja commanded numerous missions, including Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State, Operation ZAKI in Benue, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and two children.

Credible News recalls that President Bola Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30.

This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, noting that Oluyede will hold sway as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who was said to be indisposed and was receiving treatment abroad.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS,” the statement read.

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