Death of COAS: IGP Urges Police to Wear Black Bands for Seven Days

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed all police officers all over the country to wear black bands for the period of the seven-day mourning in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

According to journalists, the presidency confirmed the death of Lagbaja, who passed away at the age of 56 on Wednesday after a battle with an undisclosed illness.

Due to the death of COAS on Tuesday, the Federal Government on Wednesday directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, who was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

In a press release on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that all personnel of the Nigerian Police would wear black bands to honour Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who showed gallantry and commitment in the fight against insurgency.

Here is the content of the statement: “Due to the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black bands throughout the 7-day mourning period.

“This instruction is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, commitment, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria. 

Lagbaja was an amazing leader who merited to be honoured by all means.

“May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace.”