The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered police personnel across the country to wear black bands during the seven-day mourning period following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, a lieutenant general.
Lagbaja, 56, died on Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced on Wednesday.
The Defense Headquarters denied the rumor of his death weeks ago, stating that he was on leave.
While he was away, President Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede, a former Major General, as Acting Chief of Army Staff.
Tinubu promoted Oluyede to the rank of lieutenant general on Tuesday.
Following the death of Lagbaja on Tuesday, the Federal Government on Wednesday ordered the raising of the national flag at half-mast to mourn the late COAS, appointed on June 19, 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.
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The directive to wear the black sash, Muyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, said in a statement on Thursday, “is to pay tribute and honor the late general who has shown bravery, dedication and passion in fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria . He was a great leader who deserves to be honored by all means.
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“May the soul of the deceased COAS rest in peace.”