The late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, will be laid to rest on Thursday and Friday.
An announcement issued by the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyode, on Wednesday on behalf of the Nigerian Army confirmed that a service of songs will be held for the late COAS, who passed away on November 5, at the Army Headquarters’ Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, in Abuja.
This will be followed by a funeral service on Friday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
Lagbaja, aged 56, passed away in Lagos after a period of illness, according to a statement from President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Lagbaja becomes the second Chief of Army Staff to die in office in the past three years, following the death of Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru in 2021, just months into his tenure.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months, having been appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023.
His military career began in 1987 when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps on September 19, 1992, as part of the 39th Regular Course.
He also served as a platoon commander in both the 93rd Battalion and the 72nd Special Forces Battalion.
He played a crucial role in several key internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
A graduate of the esteemed U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, showcasing his commitment to professional development and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his cherished wife, Mariya, and their two children.
