The body of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, would be flown to Abuja today as preparations for his burial on tomorrow intensify.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who passed away earlier this week, is remembered for his dedicated service and leadership within the Nigerian Army.
Daily Sun learnt that the body will be moved from the military hospital in Lagos to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where a brief, solemn ceremony is expected to take place.
The ceremony will honour the memory and legacy of the esteemed army chief before the body is transported to Abuja, where a series of official and private observances will precede his final interment.
The military community and national leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who served as Chief of Army Staff with notable commitment to strengthening Nigerian defence and fostering stability within the armed forces. Since his appointment, he was credited with key initiatives that prioritised the welfare of soldiers, as well as efforts to advance military operations against insurgent groups within the country’s northern regions.
Tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria, with officials, military personnel, and citizens, expressing their condolences to his family and the Nigerian Army.
In a statement, President Bola Tinubu conveyed his heartfelt sympathies, commending the late General’s courage and the sacrifices he made for Nigeria’s peace and unity.
“He embodied the spirit of selfless service. His contributions to Nigeria’s security and unity will be remembered for generations to come,” Tinubu remarked.
Arrangements in Abuja will include an official lying-in-state at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, where members of the military and the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects followed by a closed service, expected to be attended by family members, high-ranking government officials, and dignitaries from the armed forces.
The ceremony at the airport in Lagos is expected to reflect military tradition. It will serve as a final salute to an officer who dedicated his life to his country’s defence and stability. Following this, the body will be flown to Abuja, where additional funeral rites are scheduled to be held.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s death is considered a great loss to Nigeria’s defence sector, and the void left by his passing has evoked a period of national mourning. His commitment to professionalism within the ranks of the Nigerian Army and his resolve to address national security challenges won him the admiration and respect of colleagues and citizens alike.
Credit: The Sun