Tinubu, Shettima Attend Burial of Late Army Chief, Lagbaja, at National Cemetery

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived at the National Cemetery in Abuja on Thursday afternoon for the burial of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The ceremony began at 3:15 pm with the setting of the casket by Pall Bearers, followed by a solemn service and a minute of silence to honor the departed Army Chief.

Lt-Gen. Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, after a period of illness, was a revered figure in the Nigerian military. He was 56 years old and had been appointed as the Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu in June 2023. His passing has left a profound impact on the country’s defense forces and national security community.

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The funeral service was marked by an emotional tribute, with the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reading the funeral oration. The national flag was then presented to Lagbaja’s next of kin, as a sign of respect for his exceptional service. President Tinubu, alongside Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, paid their respects before the casket was lowered into the ground.

The late Army Chief, born on February 28, 1968, had a distinguished military career, serving in critical operations across Nigeria, including in Benue, Borno, Southeast Nigeria, and several states in the northern region. He was also an alumnus of the US Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.

In a statement released by the Presidency, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to Lagbaja’s family, his wife Mariya, and their children, while also praising his significant contributions to Nigeria’s national security. The President emphasized the lasting impact of Lagbaja’s leadership in the military and his role in shaping Nigeria’s defense strategy.