By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Army, on Friday, 7 November 2025, held a solemn Jumu’ah Prayer at the Mogadishu Cantonment Central Mosque, Abuja, in honour of its late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja CFR.
The event marked one year since his passing and served as a tribute to his enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the unity and security of Nigeria. It also commemorated all fallen heroes whose courage continues to uphold the nation’s sovereignty.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, led senior officers, families, and associates in the solemn observance. He described the late General Lagbaja as a visionary, humble, and selfless leader whose tenure was defined by discipline, integrity, and an unrelenting dedication to duty.
“Lieutenant General Lagbaja was a soldier’s soldier—an embodiment of professionalism, courage, and compassion. His leadership left an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army and the nation at large,” General Shaibu said. He urged officers and soldiers to emulate the late General’s virtues of faith, courage, and devotion to national service, while calling on Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces in their mission to safeguard peace and unity.
Delivering the sermon, the Acting Deputy Director, Islamic Affairs, Army Headquarters Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Abbas, drew his message from the Holy Qur’an, emphasizing that life and death are divine decrees. He noted that those who lay down their lives in pursuit of justice and peace are eternally honoured before Allah.
“Our fallen heroes live on in the legacy of peace they helped secure and in the hearts of the nation they served,” he said, urging personnel to remain steadfast in faith, sincerity, and moral integrity. He further emphasized that true courage lies not in might or position but in sincerity of purpose and devotion to truth. Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the departed and for continued peace, strength, and unity across Nigeria.
Among those in attendance were former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd); former Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Ibrahim Saminu Turaki; Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana; Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters; President NAOWA, Mrs Safiyya Hassan Shaibu; President NOWA, Mrs Aisha Idi Abbas; as well as other distinguished guests.
Through this commemoration, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to uphold the noble ideals for which Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja lived and served — faith, courage, integrity, and unyielding love for Nigeria.
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