The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, have arrived in Abuja for burial on Friday.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, NAF 918, carrying the body, touched down at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 12:15 pm on Thursday, after departing from Lagos around 11am.
Upon arrival, the military leadership and dignitaries were present to receive the body.
A solemn guard of honour was conducted, with the military band playing in tribute as the coffin was carried along a red carpet, witnessed by senior military officials.
The late COAS will be interred on Friday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
General Lagbaja passed away last Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness, though the specifics of the illness have not been disclosed.
The presidency conveyed their condolences to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this period of mourning.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja had served as the Chief of Army Staff for just over a year, having been appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
His distinguished military career began in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 as part of the 39th Regular Course and later served in various significant roles, including platoon commander and in operations such as Zaki in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
General Lagbaja was also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
His expertise and leadership were recognized in numerous internal security operations across Nigeria.
He is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
