The Air Force wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, was enveloped in a sombre atmosphere today as the remains of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, were prepared for transport to Abuja.
The late general’s casket, draped in the Nigerian national flag, arrived from the morgue around 9:25 a.m. for the final journey. Present at the airport were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; white cap chiefs from the Oba of Lagos palace; and senior officers from the Armed Forces, police, and paramilitary services.
Also in attendance were members of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) and retired military generals.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, performed by the Army band, before pallbearers, comprising high-ranking military officers, took their positions for the procession. The slow march commenced, accompanied by sombre music from the military band, as the casket was escorted towards the waiting NAF 198 C130 aircraft.
The Deputy Governor and other senior officers followed closely behind until the honour guard carried the casket up the aircraft stairs.
As the aircraft prepared for departure, over 140 men on parade offered a final salute, marking a poignant tribute to the late General Lagbaja, whose leadership left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
