President Bola Tinubu has conferred a posthumous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the Late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Taoreed Lagbaja.
The President made this announcement on Friday while giving his remarks at the burial of the late COAS at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
“I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff, the posthumous National Honor of Commander of the Federal Republic of Niger, CFR,” Tinubu announced
The President handed the award to the wife of the deceased, Mariya while pledging continuous support to the family.
Tinubu further described the late COAS as one who had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of the nation’s Armed Forces, given his participation in many internal security operations.
“Lieutenant-General Lagbaja had a clear understanding of the role of the military in securing and defending our country, its people, and their hard-won constitutional democracy.
“He displayed uncommon valour in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families,” he said.
The president added that despite the vacuum the demise of the Late COAS has created, “God took him home to serve in the Celestial Army.”
To the personnel of the armed forces, the president urged them not to allow death to defeat their duty to the security of the nation, but rather lift their heads in pride in memory of the Late COAS.
Also Speaking, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar stated that the Late COAS in his final days fought his battle, but he could not be saved from the grasp of fate.
“We are reminded that life and death are ultimately in the hands of our maker,” Abubakar noted.
Speaking of his professional impact, the minister said the Late COAS’ “commitment to the wellbeing of the troops extended beyond the battlefield as the COAS introduced numerous welfare initiatives to improve the lives of soldiers and embrace the Nigerian Army structure.”
He added, “To the Armed officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I offer my deepest condolence also. I urge you to stay focused and steadfast in your duty, honouring Lagbaja’s legacy by continuing the mission he held so dearly, which is defending Nigeria with strength integrity and pride.
Also, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa admonished the armed forces to honour the memory of the late COAS beyond words by upholding the values he stood for such as selflessness, diligence and unity.
He said, “To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas which General Lagbaja stood for.
“Let’s ensure that his sacrifices and service continue to guard 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, within or outside.
“To the family of General Lagbaja, we extend our deepest condolences. We assure you; he is gone but we are here. We will not leave you alone.
“We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fail.”
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
He began his military career in 1992 and rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of his profession. In his 32-year-old career, he occupied some crucial positions.
Lagbaja enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, as a member of the 39th Regular Course, on September 19, 1992.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
The president while announcing his death said the late COAS played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children,” the president said.