President 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, during an interment ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja.
During the solemn event, the President praised Lagbaja’s unwavering dedication to national security, describing his appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as one of the finest decisions of his administration. Tinubu commended Lagbaja’s exceptional service to the nation, highlighting his legacy as a steadfast military leader.
Dignitaries in attendance included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, governors, and top military officials.
Lagbaja’s death was announced last week by President Tinubu, who disclosed that the former COAS passed away in Lagos after a brief illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lieutenant General Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months, following his appointment in June 2023. Throughout his illustrious military career, he played significant roles in key internal security operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
The ceremony served as a final tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring its security.
