The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously inducted the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF) — one of the institution’s highest international honours.
The induction ceremony took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, during the opening of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., United States of America.
In a solemn but colourful event, the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in recognition of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service, and exceptional contributions to military professionalism and international peace and security.
According to the organisers, the recognition underscores Lagbaja’s outstanding achievements as an alumnus of the college who rose to the pinnacle of his career as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.
> “Lieutenant General Lagbaja exemplified the ideals of leadership and service that define the International Hall of Fame,” Major General Bredenkamp said. “His career and contributions to global peace stand as a model for officers across the world.”
The late General Lagbaja was one of six eminent military leaders honoured at this year’s ceremony. His induction marks a historic milestone, as he became the first-ever Nigerian Army officer to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s 124-year history — a testament to his enduring legacy of excellence and service to humanity.
Representing the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the event was Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army alongside Mrs. Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, widow of the late COAS.
Dignitaries present included the 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.
Also in attendance were the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States, Army officers undergoing advanced military training at the National Defense University, U.S. Army War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as other senior Nigerian Army officers participating in the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.
In a statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, described the posthumous recognition as a moment of pride for the Nigerian Army and the entire nation.
> “This honour immortalizes one of our most distinguished and visionary leaders,” Oluyede said. “The induction of the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja into the U.S. Army War College International Hall of Fame reinforces our collective commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the pursuit of global peace and security.”
The USAWC International Hall of Fame was established to recognize international graduates who have risen to the highest positions of military leadership in their home countries.
With this historic induction, the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja joins an elite list of world military leaders celebrated for their exemplary service and global impact.
— Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele
Acting Director, Army Public Relations
