Nigerian Army Honors Late General Taolid Lagbaja with New Complex
The Nigerian Army has paid tribute to the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taolid Lagbaja, by naming a new complex at the Nigerian Army College of Logistics Management (NACOLM) in Lagos after him. This initiative underscores the Army’s dedication to honoring exemplary service and leadership within its ranks.
During the commissioning ceremony held in Lagos on Friday, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Widi Shaibu emphasized the Army’s commitment to enhancing institutional capabilities through modern infrastructure. He noted that these advancements are vital for professional military education, efficient management, and improved human welfare, all of which contribute to national security.
In a statement from Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, it was revealed that the complex named after Lieutenant General Lagbaja aims to bolster the training, administrative, and welfare facilities at the institution. This development is intended to create an environment conducive to cultivating highly skilled logistics professionals who can enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu characterized General Lagbaja as an exemplary military leader, highlighting his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to national service. He expressed that the naming of the complex serves as a lasting recognition of Lagbaja’s significant contributions to military leadership and operational excellence.
The Army chief also urged officers, instructors, and students at NACOLM to embody the values that Lagbaja exemplified, committing to discipline, professionalism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in their roles.
Shaibu reiterated that investing in training institutions and enhancing modern infrastructure is fundamental to transforming the Nigerian Army into a proficient, adaptive, and resilient force capable of fulfilling its constitutional obligations within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Military Operations Result in Arrest of Foreign Nationals in Lagos State
In another significant development, troops from the 65th Battalion apprehended 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated operation in the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. This effort is part of the ongoing initiative to combat criminal activities, illegal immigration, and other security threats in the 81st Division’s area of responsibility.
A statement from Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, indicated that the operation was executed based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of illegal foreigners. Acting on a tip-off, the military collaborated with local vigilante groups to conduct a raid on a secluded compound in Imokun, where they detained the individuals—15 men and nine women.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects hail from several West and Central African nations, including Cameroon, Togo, Ivory Coast, the Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau. Authorities are currently assessing their immigration status, reasons for being in Nigeria, and any potential engagement in illegal activities. Efforts are also underway to interrogate the property owners to understand the context of these individuals’ presence.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service on July 16, 2026, for further investigation and processing in accordance with prevailing immigration laws and regulations.
Major General Adebayo Babalola, the Chief of Staff commanding the 81st Division, praised the troops for their diligence and vigilance. He instructed them to sustain their operations and intensify efforts to prevent criminal elements and illegal immigrants from infiltrating the division’s operational area. Babalola reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to collaborating with relevant security agencies to ensure peace, security, and public safety across the region.
