Lagbaja: IG directs police officers to wear black bands

Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun

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 late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The police boss gave the directive in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.

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.”

PUNCH Online 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.

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.”