The Nigerian Army has honoured its late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, by naming a newly completed complex at the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM), Lagos, after him.
The facility was commissioned on Friday by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who described the late military leader as a symbol of professionalism, integrity and dedicated national service.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the complex is expected to strengthen the College’s training, administrative and welfare functions while enhancing the development of logistics professionals needed to support military operations nationwide.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Shaibu said the project reflects the Army’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through modern infrastructure that promotes professional military education, effective administration and personnel welfare.
He noted that the decision to name the facility after the late General Lagbaja was in recognition of his remarkable contributions to force development, leadership and operational excellence during his service to the nation.
The Army Chief described Lagbaja as an outstanding officer whose dedication and selfless service continue to inspire soldiers and officers across the Nigerian Army.
He urged instructors, officers and students of the College to emulate the values exemplified by the late Army Chief by remaining disciplined, professional and committed to excellence in the discharge of their duties.
Shaibu further reiterated that investment in military training institutions, infrastructure and personnel welfare remains central to his vision of building a more professional, adaptive and combat-ready Nigerian Army capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
Troops Arrest 24 Foreign Nationals in Epe
In a separate operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion arrested 24 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the operation followed credible intelligence regarding the presence of undocumented foreign nationals within the Division’s area of responsibility.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group, who joined troops in raiding a fenced compound at Imokun in the Odo-Noforija/Poka axis of Epe.
During the operation, security personnel apprehended 24 individuals comprising 15 males and nine females.
Preliminary profiling revealed that the suspects are citizens of several West and Central African countries, including Cameroon, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, the Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau.
The Army said investigations were initiated to determine the immigration status of the suspects, the purpose of their stay in Nigeria and whether they were involved in any unlawful activities.
Authorities are also working to identify and question the owner of the compound where the suspects were found.
The arrested individuals were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, on July 16, 2026, for further investigation and necessary administrative action.
Commending the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, directed personnel to sustain ongoing operations aimed at denying criminal elements and other security threats freedom of operation within the Division’s area of responsibility.
He reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting relevant security agencies in maintaining peace, security and public safety across Lagos and neighbouring areas.
