Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force are to wear black bands for seven days in remembrance of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, according to a directive from Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The directive was given by the police chief in a statement released on Thursday by Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.
Adejobi said the directive is to honour Lagbaja, who showed gallantry, dedication, and passion in the fight against insurgency in the country during his lifetime.
The statement reads, “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.
“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.
“May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace.”
It was reported that following a prolonged illness, the late army chief, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 56.
Following his death, the president, on Wednesday, directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late army chief.
The President’s directive was conveyed through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”
