As security agencies in Nigeria mourns the tragic demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black bands for a seven-day mourning period in honour of the General.
The police boss gave the directive in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who noted that 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.
“May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace.”
Credible News reports that the late army chief, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, died on Tuesday at the age of 56 night after a prolonged illness.
READ ALSO: Tinubu mourns Lagbaja, directs flag be flown at half-mast
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.”
Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.
In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.
“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.
“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.
“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.
Credible News.ng
