The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously inducted Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF) — the highest honour reserved for distinguished international military alumni who have risen to the pinnacle of service in their home countries.
The induction took place on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington, D.C.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele.
According to Anele, the Commandant of the U.S. Army War College, Maj.-Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, said the recognition was a testament to Lagbaja’s “outstanding leadership, professionalism, and contribution to global peace and security.”
She noted that Lagbaja had become the first Nigerian Army officer ever enshrined in the Hall of Fame in the 124-year history of the U.S. Army War College — a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s military.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Maj.-Gen. Adeleke Ayannuga received the award alongside Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, widow of the late Army Chief.
“Also in attendance were Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina, Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre; Maj.-Gen. G.T.O. Ajetunmobi, Director General, Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre; and Mrs. Deborah Aboderin of the U.S. Embassy, Abuja,” Anele said.
Reacting to the recognition, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede described the honour as “a fitting tribute to one of Nigeria’s finest military leaders, whose legacy continues to inspire service, discipline, and dedication to duty.”
The induction of the late General Lagbaja, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff until his death in 2024, marks a defining moment in the nation’s military history — celebrating a leader remembered for his reformist spirit, operational brilliance, and unyielding commitment to peace at home and abroad.
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