Late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s Remains Transferred to Abuja for State Burial
The body of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff, has been transported from Lagos to Abuja for an official state burial.
The reports gathered that Lagbaja’s remains departed from Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja on Thursday morning aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, NAF918, at 10:14 a.m. President Bola Tinubu had previously ordered a state burial to honor the late military leader.
Lagbaja, who passed away in Lagos on Nov. 5 following a brief illness, was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. Born on Feb. 28, 1968, he had a distinguished military career until his untimely death.
As a mark of respect, senior military officials provided a guard of honor as his remains arrived at the airport. Notable figures in attendance included the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, represented by White Cap chiefs.
The farewell ceremony was also attended by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Balla Abubakar, and Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
The interment of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s remains is scheduled to take place on Friday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
