For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well. More than that, he was a man of prudent action who cared deeply for his nation and for those who served under him.
– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
On a solemn Friday morning, the nation’s heart beat heavy with grief as Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff, was laid to rest with full military honors at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. His untimely death on November 5, after a brief illness, marked the loss of a leader whose transformative impact on the armed forces and unwavering dedication to Nigeria will resonate for generations.
Leading the nation in the final farewell, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the “soldier’s soldier,” conferring on him a posthumous Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR)—Nigeria’s third-highest national honor. The accolade was received by the late general’s widow, Mariya Lagbaja, during a poignant ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, military top brass, and members of the diplomatic corps.
A Leader and a Legacy
President Tinubu described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as one of his most trusted appointees, lauding his brief but impactful tenure as Chief of Army Staff, which began on June 19, 2023. “For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” the President remarked. “More than that, he was a man of prudent action who cared deeply for his nation and for those who served under him.”
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was credited with spearheading a transformative period in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, banditry, and terrorism. His leadership was characterized by a hands-on approach, prioritizing the welfare of his soldiers and their families. The President specifically noted his efforts to clear a decade-long backlog of life assurance benefits for families of deceased personnel. “He had an abiding faith in the capacity of our armed forces to keep us safe,” Tinubu said, describing him as a patriot who “embodied the finest ideals of a soldier.”
A Final Farewell
The ceremony was steeped in military tradition, including a solemn 19-gun salute to honor the fallen general. With the Nigerian flag draped over his coffin, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s body was lowered into the earth amid an atmosphere heavy with grief yet tinged with pride for his remarkable service.
“While we are saddened by his passing, we celebrate his life,” President Tinubu stated, urging members of the armed forces to honor his memory by rededicating themselves to patriotism and service. “Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja will forever reside in the pantheon of military greats,” he concluded.
A Life of Service
Born in 1967, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja began his military career in 1987 at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Over three decades, he rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a soldier’s soldier—a meticulous professional dedicated to his country. His appointment as Chief of Army Staff was a testament to his strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria.
Tragically, his service to the nation was cut short, leaving a void in Nigeria’s military leadership. Yet, his legacy of valor, dedication, and transformative leadership will continue to inspire the armed forces and the nation at large.
In Memoriam
The late general’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform to protect Nigeria. As the nation bids farewell to one of its finest, it does so with gratitude, pride, and a renewed commitment to the ideals for which Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja stood.
In the words of President Tinubu, “The brave never die. Their courage serves a thousand living men.” Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s courage and sacrifice will forever echo in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
