Osamagbe Imadiyi
In remembrance of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed Nigeria Police Force officers and men to wear black bands for seven days. In a statement released on Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, the police chief issued the directive. The directive, according to Adejobi, is in remembrance of Lagbaja, who throughout his life shown courage, commitment, and zeal in the nation’s struggle against insurgency.
The statement says: “In the wake of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed Nigeria Police Force officers and men to wear black bands for the duration of the seven-day period of mourning.”
This order is intended to honor and pay tribute to the late General, who fought violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria with courage, devotion, and passion. He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means. May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace.”
According to reports, following a protracted 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. Nigerian flags will fly at half mast for seven days nationwide in remembrance of the late army chief, the president ordered Wednesday.
The president’s directive was included in 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.”