Nigerian Army Pays Tribute to Late COAS Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, Celebrates Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
By Passman Akpos
Abuja — The Nigerian Army on Friday held a solemn tribute in honour of its late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, celebrating his enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.
The commemorative event, marked by a Special Jumu’ah Prayer at the Mogadishu Cantonment Central Mosque, Abuja, also paid respects to all fallen heroes whose courage and devotion continue to uphold the sovereignty of the nation.
Presiding over the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the late General Lagbaja as a visionary, selfless, and disciplined leader who embodied humility, courage, and a deep sense of national duty.
> “General Lagbaja was a soldier’s soldier whose leadership and humanity left indelible marks in the heart of every officer and soldier of the Nigerian Army,”General Shaibu stated, urging personnel to draw inspiration from the late General’s exemplary life of faith, courage, and patriotism.
He also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces in their mission to preserve peace, unity, and territorial integrity across the country.
Delivering the sermon during the Jumu’ah prayers, the Acting Deputy Director, Islamic Affairs, Army Headquarters Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Abbas, drew lessons from the Holy Qur’an, affirming that life and death are divine decrees.
He reflected on the eternal honour accorded to those who lay down their lives in pursuit of justice and peace, noting that:
> “Our fallen heroes live on in the legacy of peace they helped secure and in the hearts of the nation they served.”
Lieutenant Colonel Abbas further emphasized that true courage lies not in rank or might but in sincerity of purpose and devotion to truth. He offered prayers for divine forgiveness for the departed and for continued peace, strength, and unity across Nigeria.
The solemn ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd); former Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Ibrahim Saminu Turaki; Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana; Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters; President NAOWA, Mrs. Safiyya Hassan Shaibu; President NOWA, Mrs. Aisha Idi Abbas; and other senior officers and family members.
Through this observance, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the ideals for which Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja lived and served — faith, courage, integrity, and an unyielding love for Nigeria.
