The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, arrived in Abuja on Thursday ahead of his burial, set for Friday. The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, NAF 918, touched down at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 12:15 pm, after departing Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 11 am.
Upon arrival, a solemn guard of honor was held as military leaders and top officials gathered to pay their respects. The late general’s body was escorted down a red carpet, symbolizing a final tribute to his distinguished service to Nigeria.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who served as Chief of Army Staff for just over a year following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. His passing, announced by President Tinubu last week, followed a period of illness in Lagos.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja dedicated his career to strengthening Nigeria’s military forces and ensuring the nation’s defense. His untimely death has deeply impacted the military community and the nation, with tributes pouring in from fellow service members, government officials, and citizens across the country.
