THE United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, with his induction into the institution’s prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF), one of the highest distinctions accorded to its international alumni.
In a statement issued on Monday sent to News Point Nigeria, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the recognition as historic and deeply symbolic, marking a milestone in Nigeria’s military history.
According to the statement, the induction ceremony took place during the opening session of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington, D.C., USA.
The late General Lagbaja’s posthumous induction makes him the first Nigerian Army officer ever to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame since the institution’s founding 124 years ago, a moment that has been widely celebrated within the Nigerian military establishment.
The USAWC Commandant, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the honour, lauding the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service, and enduring contributions to international peace and security.
“The honour underscores his exemplary service and distinguished career, which culminated in his appointment as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff,” the statement read.
Representing Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the plaque on behalf of the Nigerian Army. He was joined by Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, widow of the late Army Chief, who received warm tributes and emotional applause from attendees.
Also present at the ceremony were several senior Nigerian Army officers, including Major General G.O. Adesina, Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre; Major General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi, Director General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre; and Ms. Deborah Aboderin from the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja.
The event was attended by the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States, officers currently enrolled in professional military education programmes at the US Army War College, National Defense University, and the US Army Command and General Staff College, as well as other participants of the ongoing AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.
In a message conveyed through the Army’s representative, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede, expressed pride and deep gratitude for the international recognition bestowed upon one of Nigeria’s most decorated and respected officers.
“Lieutenant General Oluyede affirmed that the recognition not only immortalises the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s remarkable service and sacrifice but also reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and global peacekeeping ideals,” the statement noted.
This year’s USAWC International Hall of Fame class included six distinguished alumni from different nations, each honoured for their extraordinary contributions to peace, security, and international cooperation.
Until his passing, General Lagbaja was widely regarded as a visionary leader and reformer, deeply committed to modernising the Nigerian Army and strengthening its operational capabilities.
