The Nigerian Army has announced plans to hold a series of events marking one year since the passing of its former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who died on November 5, 2024.
The memorial, scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025, is being organised under the directive of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to celebrate the life and legacy of the late military leader.
According to details shared by the Army on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the commemoration will begin with a special Juma’at prayer at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the Central Mosque, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja. The memorial activities will continue with an interdenominational church service on Sunday, November 9, at 10:00 a.m., to be held at the All Saints Protestant Church, also within Mogadishu Cantonment.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who served as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, passed away in Lagos at the age of 56 after a brief illness. Appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, he was widely regarded as a disciplined, strategic, and compassionate commander who prioritized troop welfare and professional integrity within the Nigerian Army.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, Lagbaja’s military career spanned decades of service marked by commitment and courage. He is survived by his wife, Mariya Lagbaja, and their two children.
In a statement, the current Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Shaibu, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, as the 25th Chief of Army Staff described Lagbaja as “a soldier’s soldier and a leader whose memory continues to inspire the rank and file.”
He also extended an open invitation to the public, colleagues, and friends of the Nigerian Army to join in honouring the late general, whose life, he said, exemplified “dedication to duty, faith, and national service.”
The memorial events are expected to draw top military officers, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country as the Nigerian Army pays its final tribute to one of its finest commanders.
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