The late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5 at 56, will be laid to rest on Thursday and Friday in Abuja.
According to a statement from Acting COAS, Lt. Gen. OO Oluyode, a service of songs will be held Thursday at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, followed by a funeral service at the National Christian Centre on Friday.
Lagbaja, who had been appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, served the Nigerian military with distinction for over three decades, beginning his career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 and held numerous leadership roles, including command in critical operations such as Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his commitment to military strategy and professional development.
His death marks the second loss of a serving Chief of Army Staff in the last three years, following the passing of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru in 2021.
Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children, who will join the military and nation in honouring his legacy.
