The Nigerian Army has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the recently departed Chief of Army Staff.
General Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 56, will be honored in a series of ceremonies in Abuja.
In a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s verified social media accounts, it was confirmed that Lagbaja’s burial will take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, with the final interment scheduled for between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Commemorations will begin with a Service of Songs at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, located in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, on Thursday, November 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The following morning, a funeral service will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the National Christian Centre, providing an opportunity for dignitaries, family members, colleagues, and citizens to pay their respects.
Lagbaja’s passing was confirmed by the Nigerian government in a statement from the presidency on Wednesday, November 6. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga noted that Lagbaja died after a prolonged illness. The general, who was born on February 28, 1968, was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023. He had dedicated his life to military service and was widely respected among his peers.
Reports indicate that Lagbaja’s health had been in decline prior to his death, with sources suggesting his ailment was unusual, prompting his family to seek medical treatment for him abroad.
Following this tragic loss, President Tinubu appointed Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, tasked with continuing Lagbaja’s mission and leadership within the Nigerian Army.
