Pr esident Bola Tinubu on Friday posthumously conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The announcement was made during a burial ceremony held in his honor at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja.
President Tinubu praised the late officer’s dedication and contributions to national security, describing him as a remarkable leader.
He further noted that appointing Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff was among the most significant decisions of his administration.
“As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff, the post-humous national honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic of the Niger (CFR),” Tinubu declared.
He after that invited the wife of the late COAS, Mariya who collected the award on behalf of the Lagbaja family amid applause from the congregation.
The President urged the officers of the military not to allow “death defeat us. Lift your heads in pride in memory of your army chief.”
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to support members of the armed forces who work hard to defend the nation.
He expressed gratitude to the Lagbaja family for allowing the late COAS to serve with honour, saying that the works of the late warrior would continue to serve generations yet unborn.
The event had in attendance Vice President Kashima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Defence Minister, governors and top military officials.
Last week, Tinubu announced Lagbaja’s death, saying the late warrior passed away in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months. President Tinubu appointed him to the role in June 2023.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.