By Philip Nwosu
The body of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the late Chief of Army Staff, was flown from Lagos to Abuja following a solemn military parade held in his honour. The ceremony, which took place at the Air Force wing of the Lagos Airport, involved members of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force in a show of solidarity and respect.
The ceremonial parade was executed with precision, featuring a contingent of 48 men and three officers from the various branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Senior and junior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, as well as representatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were present to pay their last respect to General Lagbaja, who was widely regarded for his dedication to the nation.
The procession began with General Lagbaja’s remains arriving at the Lagos Airport in a motorcade, led by an ambulance from the Nigerian Army and escorted by senior military officers. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, led the group of dignitaries, which included several high-ranking officers and family members of the late general.
In a mark of camaraderie and respect, General Lagbaja’s course mates from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force served as pallbearers, personally wheeling his casket to the tail of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, which was specially designated to convey his remains to Abuja. The use of the military aircraft underlined the profound respect and honour bestowed upon the late general, who served with distinction in various capacities throughout his career.
Late Lagbaja was known for his unyielding commitment to duty, and his leadership was regarded as instrumental in several key operations aimed at improving Nigeria’s national security. His contributions to the military, especially in strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities, earned him the admiration of colleagues and subordinates alike.
The atmosphere at the airport was sombre, with soldiers standing in formation as they observed the moment of departure. Members of the military band played solemn tunes, marking the gravity of the occasion. Many senior officers expressed their deep loss over the general’s passing, sharing words of remembrance about his exceptional qualities as a leader and his dedication to service.
General Lagbaja’s death has resonated across the country, particularly within the military community, where he was a symbol of resilience and commitment. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from national leaders, who have lauded his legacy and contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and white cap chiefs from the palace of the Oba of Lagos, serving and retired military colleagues of the late Army Chief, were at the NAF wing of the Lagos Airport to bid him goodbye.
The C-130 Hercules carrying the late general’s body departed for Abuja, where another series of ceremonies were expected to take place, including a final burial parade. The Nigerian Army, along with other branches of the armed forces, has planned a range of ceremonial honours in line with the tradition accorded to high-ranking military officers.