Tears and tributes flowed freely on Friday as the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest in Abuja, bringing an end to a distinguished military career that spanned several decades.
The solemn burial took place at the National Cemetery in the nation’s capital, concluding two days of funeral rites that had begun earlier in the week in Lagos.
At precisely 4:41 pm, after a heartfelt service lasting more than two hours, his casket was lowered into the ground.
The casket, draped in Nigeria’s green and white colours, had arrived at the cemetery around 3 pm, transported in a white funeral wagon following a service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
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The event was attended by several dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, as well as other senior government and military officials.
In his eulogy, President Tinubu described the appointment of the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as one of the finest decisions of his presidency, highlighting the general’s exemplary service and leadership.
“As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff, the post-humous national honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic of the Niger (CFR),” Tinubu said, asking the military not to be demoralised by the demise of the COAS.
“Please, do not let death defeat us and I as commander-in-chief renew my pledge to you today that the country will always support you and your family,” he said.
The CDS, General Musa, stated that the passing of the COAS will not weaken the military’s determination to combat insecurity.
He said, “To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.
“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside.”
Before the late Chief of Army Staff’s interment, a service of songs was held the day prior at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
On Thursday, the Nigerian Air Force plane carrying the remains of the late COAS arrived at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 12:15 pm.
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