The body of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, arrived in Abuja in preparation for his final burial.
The late COAS’s remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at precisely 12:16 p.m., where military personnel gathered to pay their respects.
A series of funeral services are planned to honor the distinguished general, beginning with a Service of Songs on Thursday at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja. The main funeral service will be held on Friday at the National Christian Centre, followed by interment at the Military Cemetery later in the afternoon.
Lagbaja passed away on November 5 in Lagos after a brief illness, according to an official statement. The military and the nation mourn his loss, remembering his dedication and years of service to Nigeria.
READ ALSO : Late COAS Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja gets final respect Friday
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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