The Nigerian Army and the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies have called for sustained efforts to end insecurity in the country at the second memorial service of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
In a statement on Saturday, they also urged continued support for serving military personnel and families of soldiers killed in the line of duty, with palliatives distributed to widows of fallen heroes at the remembrance ceremony in Lagos.
The event, held at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, brought together military and paramilitary officers, family members, friends and civil society organisations to honour the late Army Chief.
Speaking on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described Lagbaja as a distinguished soldier and patriot whose career was marked by courage, professional excellence and commitment to national service.
Babalola recalled that Lagbaja was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course in 1987 and commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in 1992.
He said the late general’s career involved several command, staff and instructional appointments before he became Chief of Army Staff in June 2023.
According to him, Lagbaja worked to strengthen the Army’s operational capabilities, improve professionalism and troop welfare, and sustain military operations against insecurity.
The Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, said the memorial was an opportunity for serving personnel to reflect on the late general’s military career and uphold the values he represented.
Owolabi recalled Lagbaja’s participation in internal security operations, including Operations Zaki, Lafiya Dole, Udoka and Forest Sanity, describing his assignments as part of efforts to restore peace in troubled parts of the country.
He urged soldiers to maintain discipline, professionalism, operational readiness, loyalty and selfless service.
The brigade commander also called for sustained support for families of fallen soldiers, saying their sacrifices should not be overlooked.
“Behind every fallen hero is a family who sacrificed and lost. They deserve the Army’s continued prayers, compassion and support,” he said.
The convener of PSNAFSA, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described Lagbaja as a father figure who placed the country’s interests above personal considerations.
She said the organisation chose to honour him because of his commitment to the military and the country.
“General Lagbaja’s tenure was defined by courage, patriotism, and a resolute commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria. We chose to honour him because he loved the military with all his heart and served his fatherland with sincerity and passion,” she said.
Fatile expressed hope that the late Army Chief’s values would continue to inspire serving personnel and contribute to efforts to secure the country.
“As we remember his good works, may the seeds of sacrifice he planted bring forth lasting peace. Let insecurity become a thing of the past in our dear country,” she added.
The memorial featured prayers for Lagbaja and other fallen heroes, as well as the distribution of palliatives to widows of soldiers who died in service.
Lagbaja was appointed Nigeria’s 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
Born in Ilobu, Osun State, on February 28, 1968, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in 1992.
He served in several military operations, including Operations Zaki, Lafiya Dole, Udoka and Forest Sanity.
Lagbaja died in Lagos on November 5, 2024, aged 56, after a period of illness, the Presidency announced the following day.
He was succeeded by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
