365NEWS gathered that the Nigerian Air Force plane carrying Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 12:15 pm on Thursday.
Here are things to know as COAS Lagbaja is laid to rest
1. Lagbaja, was born in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State on 28 February 1968.
2. He was 56.
3. He was the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
4. He attended Local Authority Teachers College Demonstration School Osogbo between 1973 – 1979
5. He attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan from 1984 to 1986 and obtained West African School Certificate (Advanced Level).
6. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 12, 1987, as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
7. He was commissioned as 2Lt on September 19, 1992, into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
8. He holds a Bachelor’s in Geography from NDA Kaduna and a Master’s from U.S. Army War College.
9. Until his elevation as COAS, Lagbaja was the chief of operation (Army) and had served as General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Kaduna, and 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu.
10. He had held command positions in several military operations, including Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Operation ZAKI.
11. He was also part of the Internal Security Operation in Benue, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and Internal Security Operation in the South East.
12. As GOC 1 Division in Kaduna, he led troops of Operation FOREST SANITY in confronting terrorists in Kaduna and Niger States.
13. Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
14. Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
15. 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.
16. An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
17. Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and two children.
18. His remains arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 12:15 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
19. On Friday, November 15, 2024, President Bola Tinubu conferred a posthumous National Honor on Lagbaja.
20. He was laid to rest on Friday, November 15, 2024.
