US Posthumously Honours Nigeria’s Lagbaja, Cementing Military Ties

In a historic recognition of leadership and International Military collaboration, the United States Army War College has posthumously inducted Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, into its prestigious International Hall of Fame.

The announcement came on Monday during the opening of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual convention in Washington, a gathering attended by top military officials, defence partners, and delegates from more than 80 countries. Lagbaja becomes the first Nigerian officer in over a century to receive this honour.

In a statement shared online, the US Mission in Nigeria described the induction as “a tribute to General Lagbaja’s visionary leadership and a testament to the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States in addressing global security challenges.”

Lagbaja, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 56 after battling cancer, led the Nigerian Army from June 2023. During his tenure, he spearheaded operations against jihadist groups in the northeast and emphasized internal discipline within the military amid ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.

A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy (1992 intake) and an alumnus of the US Army War College with a Master’s in Strategic Studies, Lagbaja’s induction was accepted by his widow, Maria Abiodun-Lagbaja, alongside Major General Adeleke Ayannuga representing the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

Lieutenant General Oluyede lauded the honour as “a fitting tribute that immortalizes General Lagbaja’s commitment to service,” while the War College’s commandant, Major General Trevor Bredenkamp, highlighted his role in strengthening the professionalism of Nigeria’s armed forces.

The AUSA convention, marking the US Army’s 250th anniversary, also showcased Nigeria’s growing military cooperation with the United States. Recent collaborations have focused on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, logistics, and support for operations against banditry and school kidnappings in northwest Nigeria.

This year, Lagbaja joins five other foreign alumni inducted into the War College Hall of Fame, recognized for their significant contributions to regional and global security. The US emphasised that the induction not only celebrates individual achievement but also reflects deepening strategic ties with Nigeria.

Defence Chief General Christopher Musa described Lagbaja’s death as “a tremendous loss to the Nigerian military and the region,” noting that his legacy continues to shape reforms and operational strategies within the armed forces.