Military Leaders Honour Late Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja at One-Year Memorial

Abuja, November 9, 2025 — The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, joined former Service Chiefs and senior military officers on Sunday at a memorial service in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, OFR.

The interdenominational service, held at All Saints’ Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, marked one year since General Lagbaja’s passing on November 5, 2024.

General Oluyede described the late Army Chief as a fearless commander and compassionate leader whose legacy of courage, integrity, and dedication continues to inspire the Nigerian Armed Forces. He conveyed condolences to the Lagbaja family and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to upholding his ideals.

In his sermon, the Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Bitrus Nyam, urged officers to emulate General Lagbaja’s faith, humility, and patriotism.

The event featured prayers and thanksgiving for the late officer’s family and in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Generals LEO Irabor (Rtd) and Christopher Musa (Rtd), the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, the wife of the late COAS, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, President Defence and Police Officers Wives Association and presidents of sister organisations and members of the Lagbaja family. Also present were members of 39 Regular Course senior officers serving and retired, principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, spouses of officers and soldiers as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja was remembered as a visionary leader and patriot whose service left a lasting impact on the Nigerian Army.