The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside former Service Chiefs and senior military officers, on Sunday, 9 November 2025, paid glowing tributes to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, OFR, during an interdenominational memorial service held at the All Saints’ Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
The solemn event, marking one year since the passing of the late General Lagbaja on 5 November 2024, was filled with deep reflection and heartfelt remembrance for a soldier celebrated for his courage, humility, and unwavering service to the nation.
In his tribute, General Oluyede described the late General Lagbaja as “a fearless commander, compassionate leader, and consummate patriot” whose devotion to duty and love for his troops remain etched in the history of the Nigerian Army. He noted that Lagbaja’s tenure as COAS was defined by integrity, empathy, and uncommon commitment to the welfare of personnel and national unity.
The CDS extended the condolences of the Armed Forces to the Lagbaja family, praying for God’s continued comfort, and reaffirmed that the late COAS’s legacy would continue to inspire professionalism and dedication within the military.
Delivering the sermon, the Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Bitrus Nyam, extolled General Lagbaja’s virtues, describing him as “a faithful soldier of Christ, a loving father, and a leader who served both God and country with humility and honour.” He urged officers and soldiers to emulate his life of faith, dedication, and patriotism.
Highlights of the service included special prayers, thanksgiving, and solemn moments of reflection in honour of the late COAS.
Among those in attendance were former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Generals Lucky Irabor (Rtd) and Christopher Musa (Rtd); the representative of the COAS, Major General Maxwell Dangana, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison; the late COAS’s wife, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja; Presidents of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) and sister organisations; as well as members of the Lagbaja family.
Also present were members of the 39 Regular Course, both serving and retired, principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, officers’ spouses, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was fondly remembered as a visionary leader, disciplined officer, and patriot whose selfless service and enduring legacy continue to inspire generations of Nigerian soldiers.
