President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posthumously conferred the prestigious Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honor on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The announcement was made on Friday during a solemn interment ceremony held at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, state governors, and senior military officials.
President Tinubu lauded the late General’s dedication to national security, describing his appointment as one of the most significant of his administration.
“Lagbaja’s commitment and professionalism left an indelible mark on our nation’s armed forces,” Tinubu said, emphasizing the late officer’s strategic contributions to counter-insurgency and security operations across Nigeria.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lieutenant General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff in June 2023. During his tenure, he spearheaded critical security initiatives, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Operation Udoka in the Southeast. He also played a pivotal role in combating banditry through Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
Lagbaja passed away last week in Lagos after a brief illness—a loss President Tinubu described as a “devastating blow” to Nigeria’s armed forces. Serving as the Chief of Army Staff for just over a year, he left behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism, and excellence.
The interment ceremony marked the conclusion of heartfelt tributes to one of Nigeria’s most respected military leaders.
