Buratai Honors Late Gen. Lagbaja, Commends Legacy of Dedication
Retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, has paid tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, lauding his legacy of discipline and steadfast service.
In a condolence message issued Thursday in Abuja, Buratai expressed deep sorrow over Lagbaja’s passing, highlighting the significant impact he had on the Nigerian Army and the nation as a whole.
Offering his condolences to President Bola Tinubu, Lagbaja’s wife Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Nigerian Army, Buratai prayed, “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.”
Reflecting on Lagbaja’s career, Buratai noted his time appointing Lagbaja to key leadership roles, including as Commander of the 9 Brigade in Ikeja and Commander of the 2 Brigade in Uyo. Later, as a Major General, Lagbaja was named Director of Campaign Planning at Army Headquarters in 2020.
“Gen. Lagbaja’s strategic vision and dedication have been pivotal in shaping the Nigerian Army into the robust institution it is today,” Buratai remarked, adding that his legacy of service would endure in the lives he influenced.
In closing, Buratai shared his hope that Lagbaja’s commitment to Nigeria would inspire future generations, saying, “Rest in peace, General Lagbaja. Your service to our great nation will never be forgotten.”
