President Bola Tinubu has posthumously awarded the prestigious Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honor to the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in recognition of his exemplary service to the nation.
This significant honor was conferred during a solemn ceremony at the National Cemetery in Abuja, where dignitaries gathered to pay their respects.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja, who served as the Chief of Army Staff for a brief but impactful tenure of just over a year, played a pivotal role in leading key military operations across the country. His contributions included overseeing critical internal security missions such as Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity, which aimed to address security challenges in Kaduna and Niger States.
President Tinubu, who appointed Lagbaja to the esteemed position of Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, described the decision as one of the finest he made, acknowledging the general’s dedication and leadership in safeguarding the country’s stability.
The funeral ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Defence Minister, state governors, and senior military personnel, all of whom gathered to honor the late general’s memory and sacrifice for the nation.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lieutenant General Lagbaja passed away in Lagos after a prolonged illness, a loss that was announced by President Tinubu last week. His death marks the end of a distinguished career, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and service that will be remembered by both the military and the Nigerian people.
