Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu on Friday posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, during his interment at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu praised the late general for his dedication to national security, describing his appointment as Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 as one of his best decisions.
“He was a warrior who lived and died for the safety and security of this nation. His contributions to our country’s stability will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.
The burial was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the Defence Minister, governors, and senior military officials.
Lagbaja, who passed away last week in Lagos after a brief illness, was born on February 28, 1968, and served as Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months.
During his tenure, he led key internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the Southeast, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
Tinubu had earlier announced Lagbaja’s death, calling him a patriot whose legacy would inspire future generations.