The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,have arrived in Abuja ahead of his final interment scheduled for Friday, November 15, at the National Military Cemetery.
The body touched down at the Air Force Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 12:16pm on Thursday, where military personnel, dignitaries, and grieving family members were present to receive the late COAS with solemn tributes.
The funeral proceedings commenced on Thursday evening with a Service of Songs held at Mogadishu Cantonment. The event was attended by senior military officers, family members, friends, and colleagues who gathered to honor the life and legacy of the distinguished military leader.
Emotions ran high as attendees paid heartfelt tributes, reflecting on Lagbaja’s commitment, bravery, and the indelible mark he left on the Nigerian Army throughout his career.
According to the official burial program released by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the interment ceremony is slated to take place on Friday afternoon.
The final rites will include full military honors, showcasing a somber and respectful farewell fitting for a man who dedicated his life to national service. The ceremony is expected to be attended by top military officials, including service chiefs, as well as key figures from the government, showcasing the high regard in which the late COAS was held.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja, known for his exemplary leadership, played a pivotal role in various military operations aimed at ensuring national security and stability.
His sudden demise has been described as a significant loss not only to the Nigerian Army but also to the country at large. His contributions, particularly in counter-insurgency efforts and strategic defense operations, were pivotal in shaping the military’s approach to contemporary security challenges.
The interment at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja symbolises the nation’s recognition of his dedication and the ultimate sacrifice he made for the country.
The Nigerian Army has planned a series of military tributes, including a 21-gun salute, as part of the burial proceedings. These honors are intended to celebrate his courage and service, providing a moment for the military community and the nation to reflect on his legacy and the high standards he set during his tenure as COAS.
The late Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s death has left a profound impact on the military community, with tributes pouring in from both local and international military figures.
His leadership was marked by a strong focus on discipline, operational efficiency, and a commitment to the welfare of his troops. As the country prepares to lay him to rest, many have expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the void his passing has created in the upper echelon of Nigeria’s military command
