COAS Lagbaja: IGP Orders Police Officers To Wear Black Bands

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

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police chief described the move as a mark of respect for the late Army Chief, who was commended for his bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the fight against insurgency in Nigeria.

The statement read: “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.”

“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,” the statement concluded.

LEADERSHIP reports that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 56 after a brief illness.

In addition to the Inspector-General’s directive, President Tinubu has also ordered that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days in mourning of the late COAS. The president’s directive was conveyed 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.”