By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has explained why he ordered all officers of the Nigeria Police to wear black bands in honour of the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday.
This explanation is contained in a statement issued by the force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday
According to the statement, the IGP declared seven-day mourning for the deceased and directed all officers to wear black bands while the mourning lasts as a mark of respect and honour for the fallen Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja.
“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,” the statement reads.
“He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means.”
Recall that Nigeria was thrown into mourning on Wednesday after President Tinubu officially announced the passing of Lagbaja.
Tinubu ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of Lagbaja.
Lagbaja died on Tuesday after battling an undisclosed ailment. He was 56-years-old. He was appointed COAS by Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
The deceased COAS was born in Ilobu in Osun State.
Lagbaja enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
In September 1992, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th regular course.
He served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. Lagbaja also participated in various internal security operations, including operation ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in south-east, and forest sanity in Kaduna and Niger. The president has appointed Olufemi Oluyede as acting COAS.
