President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred a posthumous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The announcement was made during his interment at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja, on Friday, November 15, 2024.
In his tribute, President Tinubu praised Lt. General Lagbaja’s dedication to national security, describing his appointment as Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 as one of his finest decisions. Tinubu commended the late warrior for his exceptional leadership and contributions to internal security operations across Nigeria.
The interment ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Defence Minister, governors, and top military officials.
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months before passing away in Lagos after an illness. He was a decorated officer with extensive experience in military operations, including Operation ZAKI (Benue), Lafiya Dole (Borno), Udoka (Southeast), and Operation Forest Sanity (Kaduna and Niger States).
A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja held a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, reflecting his commitment to excellence and professional growth. He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
