COAS Immortalizes Late Army Chief Lagbaja With Counter-Terrorism Village Dedication

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday, inaugurated a Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Village at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, naming it in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The facility is designed to provide cadets with practical training to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. Speaking at the ceremony, Oluyede described the late Lagbaja as an exceptional and pragmatic officer who devoted his life to the nation’s service.

“The village offers realistic scenarios for cadets to prepare for the field. Naming it after Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a distinguished leader of blessed memory, is truly fitting. We will forever be proud of him,” Oluyede stated.

In addition to the village, the COAS inaugurated several projects, including an auditorium for the Army Wing, a 30-man Corporal and Below quarters, and the Commanding Officer’s residence at the 37 NDA Demonstration Battalion. He also initiated the construction of a 500-capacity cadets’ mess, two classroom blocks, an administrative block, and a girls’ hostel at the NDA Boarding Secondary School.

Oluyede emphasized that these facilities are aimed at creating a better learning environment and improving the quality of training for cadets. “Investing in the next generation of military leaders requires a conducive environment for learning, and these projects reflect our commitment to that goal,” he said.

The COAS also commended NDA Commandant Maj.-Gen. John Ochai for his dedication to transforming the institution.

Maj.-Gen. Ochai reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to producing disciplined and capable officers. “An officer’s foundation is built on knowledge and character, with character taking precedence. Without it, you cannot be a good officer. We will sustain these transformational initiatives to produce the future leaders of our armed forces,” he said.