Kehinde Fajobi
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black bands for seven days in mourning the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
This directive was issued in a statement on Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi.
The statement noted that Lagbaja, who recently passed away, was known for his courage, dedication, and commitment to combating insurgency and violent crime in Nigeria.
“Following the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black band throughout the 7-day mourning period,” the statement read.
“This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria.
“He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means,” it continued, adding, “May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace.”
Lagbaja, appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, died on Tuesday at 56 after a prolonged illness.
To honour his memory, President Tinubu also ordered Nigeria’s national flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide for seven days.
This was conveyed through a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”