IGP directs police officers to wear black bands in honour of late COAS Lagbaja

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed officers nationwide to wear black armbands for seven days to honor the late Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday, November 5. This directive, announced by police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, is a tribute to Lagbaja’s dedication and bravery in Nigeria’s fight against violent crime and insurgency.

In his statement, Egbetokun acknowledged Lagbaja as a “great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means.” The black bands will be worn throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the Army Chief’s contributions to national security.

President Bola Tinubu also ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast in memory of Lagbaja, who died at the age of 56 following an undisclosed illness. Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff by Tinubu on June 19, 2023, and has since been instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s military operations.

A distinguished career officer, Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Infantry Corps in 1992. Over his career, he held key roles, including platoon commander of the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, participating in major internal security operations such as ZAKI in Benue, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in the southeast, and Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger.