The remains of the late COAS were transported by Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 918, which landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s presidential wing at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Thursday.
The plane took off from Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 11 a.m. to begin the journey to Abuja.
In a heartfelt remembrance of his service, Nigeria’s military commanders and top brass witnessed the late COAS’s body being escorted down a red carpet upon his arrival in Abuja, along with a sad ceremony of honor.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja will be buried at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 and held the position for a year and four months.
President Tinubu announced his death last week, following a period of illness in Lagos.
Lagbaja, who was born on February 28, 1968, distinguished his military career with his efforts to fortify the Nigerian Army and his commitment to the country’s defense.
The nation and the military are in grief following his demise, and tributes from coworkers, public figures, and people alike are still coming in.