The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, joined former Service Chiefs and senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Sunday, 9 November 2025, to pay glowing tributes to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

The solemn interdenominational memorial service, held at All Saints’ Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, marked one year since the passing of the late General Lagbaja on 5 November 2024. The event was filled with deep reflection and heartfelt remembrance for a soldier whose life embodied courage, humility, and selfless service to the nation.

In his tribute, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja as “a fearless commander, compassionate leader, and consummate patriot whose devotion to duty and love for his troops remain indelible in the annals of the Nigerian Army.” He noted that General Lagbaja’s leadership was distinguished by integrity, empathy, and an uncommon commitment to the welfare of personnel and the unity of Nigeria.

General Oluyede conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces to the Lagbaja family, praying for God’s continued strength and comfort. He reaffirmed that the legacy of the late Army Chief would continue to guide and inspire the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces toward greater professionalism and national service.

Delivering the sermon, the Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Bitrus Nyam, extolled the virtues of the late COAS, urging officers and soldiers to emulate his faith, dedication, and patriotism. He described General Lagbaja as “a faithful soldier of Christ, a devoted father, and a leader who served both God and country with humility and honour.”

Highlights of the service included special prayers and thanksgiving for the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, as well as moments of solemn reflection in his memory.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Generals L.E.O. Irabor (Rtd) and Christopher Musa (Rtd); the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana; the wife of the late COAS, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja; the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA); presidents of sister organisations; and members of the Lagbaja family.

Also present were members of the 39 Regular Course (serving and retired), principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, spouses of officers and soldiers, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.

The late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was fondly remembered as a visionary leader, a disciplined officer, and a patriot whose selfless service and enduring legacy continue to inspire generations of soldiers across the Nigerian Armed Forces.

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