The body of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has arrived in Abuja, where he is set to be buried on Friday.
The Nigerian Air Force plane, NAF 918, carrying the remains of the late COAS, touched down at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 12:15 pm on Thursday.
The journey to Abuja began at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where the plane departed around 11 am.
Upon arrival in Abuja, a solemn guard of honour was performed, and the late COAS’s body was escorted down a red carpet, flanked by Nigeria’s military leaders and top brass, in a moving tribute to his service.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who served as Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
His death, which was announced last week by President Tinubu, occurred after a period of illness in Lagos.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja’s military career was marked by his dedication to the nation’s defence and his significant contributions to strengthening the Nigerian Army.
His passing has left the military and the nation in mourning as tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, public officials, and citizens alike.
