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IGP Orders 7-Day Mourning Period for Late COAS Lagbaja

Written by Jerry Alomatu on November 7, 2024

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force to don black bands for a seven-day period in mourning for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

This directive, conveyed through a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi on Thursday, serves as a tribute to Lagbaja’s gallantry and dedication in combating insurgency in Nigeria.

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 bands throughout the 7-day mourning period.”

Egbetokun highlighted Lagbaja’s commitment to service, noting, “He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means. May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace.”

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 56 after a prolonged illness.

President Tinubu, in response to the loss, mandated that national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days to honour the army chief. This directive was relayed in a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.