President Bola Tinubu has conferred a post-homous National Honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Tinubu announced this during the burial of the late COAS at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja on Friday.
He praised the virtues of the late Lagbaja for his contributions to national security.
Tinubu said the appointment of Lagbaja as the COAS was one of his finest made so far.
“As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff, the post-humous national honour of the Commander of the Federal Republic of the Niger (CFR),” Tinubu declared
The widow of the late COAS, Mariya was invited by Tinubu to collect the award on behalf of the Lagbaja family amid applause from the congregation.
He urged the officers of the military not to allow “death defeat us. Lift your heads in pride in memory of your army chief.”
Tinubu also said his administration is committed to support members of the Armed Forces who work hard to defend the nation.
He expressed gratitude to the Lagbaja family for allowing the late COAS to serve with honour, saying that the works of the late warrior would continue to serve generations yet unborn.
Vice President Kashima Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Defence Minister, governors and top military officials attended Lagbaja’s internment
Last week, the president announced Lagbaja’s death, saying the late COAS passed away in Lagos after illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months. President Tinubu appointed him to the role in June 2023.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
