The Nigerian Army and the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) have called for sustained efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.

The call was made during the second memorial service of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, held at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described Lagbaja as a distinguished soldier and patriot who demonstrated courage, professionalism and commitment to national service.

Also speaking, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, urged serving personnel to uphold the late general’s legacy of discipline, loyalty and selfless service.

He also called for sustained support for families of soldiers who died in active service.

The convener of PSNAFSA, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described Lagbaja as a patriotic leader who placed the nation’s interests above personal considerations, expressing hope that his legacy would inspire serving military personnel and contribute to lasting peace in Nigeria.

The memorial featured prayers for the late Army Chief and other fallen heroes, while palliatives were distributed to widows of deceased soldiers.

Lagbaja, who was appointed the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, died in Lagos on November 5, 2024, at the age of 56.