The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously conferred one of its highest international honours on the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, inducting him into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).

According to a statement by the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, on Tuesday, 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 Centre, Washington D.C.

Commandant of the USAWC, Maj.-Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in recognition of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service, and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism and international peace and security.

The award, the statement noted, celebrated Lagbaja’s outstanding achievements as an alumnus of the college who rose meritoriously to the apex of his military career as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

The late Lagbaja was one of six eminent inductees honoured at this year’s event. His induction marks a historic milestone as he became the first 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 Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Maj.-Gen. Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the honour alongside Mrs Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, widow of the late COAS.

Dignitaries at the event included the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. G.O. Adesina; Director-General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Maj.-Gen. G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; and Mrs Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja.

Also present were the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States, Nigerian Army officers undergoing professional military education at the National Defense University, the United States Army War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as other senior officers participating in the AUSA 2025 convention.

In his reaction, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, expressed pride in the honour bestowed on one of Nigeria’s most illustrious military leaders.

He said the recognition not only immortalises the late General Lagbaja’s distinguished service but also reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and dedication to global peace and security.