Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, has bagged a posthumous induction from the United States Army War College (USAWC) into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).
This is one of USAWC’s highest global honours conferred on individual military officers with outstanding service career.
Commandant of the USAWC, Major-General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, who presented the posthumous honour, said it was in recognition of late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service, and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism and international peace and security.
A statement by the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, on Tuesday, said the investiture took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the opening of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C.
According to the statement, the award celebrated Lagbaja’s outstanding achievements as an alumnus of the College who rose meritoriously to the apex of his military career as Nigeria’s 23rd COAS.
Late Lagbaja was anong the six eminent honourees at this year’s event and his induction marks a historic milestone, being the first Nigerian Army officer to be initiated in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s 124-year history.
The statement described the development as a testament to the late General’s enduring legacy of excellence and service to humanity.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Major-General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the honour alongside Lagbaja’s widow, Mrs Maria Abiodun Lagbaja,
Among dignitaries at the event were Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major-General G.O. Adesina; Director-General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major-General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; and Mrs Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja.
The guests’ list also included the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States, Nigerian Army officers undergoing professional military education at the National Defense University, the United States Army War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as other senior officers participating in the AUSA 2025 convention.
Reacting to the induction, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, said the honour bestowed on one of Nigeria’s most illustrious military leaders was something of great delight to the country.
Noting that the recognition not only immortalises the late General Lagbaja’s distinguished service, the COAS said it also reinforces Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and dedication to global peace and security.
