The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered officers and men 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, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The police boss gave the directive in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi said the directive is to honour Lagbaja, who showed gallantry, dedication, and passion in the fight against insurgency in the country during his lifetime.
The statement reads, “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 band 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.”
Similarly, the Senate Committee on Marine Transport has announced the indefinite postponement of a scheduled public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill.
Originally set for November 7, the session was slated to take place at the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, with key stakeholders in attendance to address pressing issues in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The bill sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC- Lagos), has the overriding intent to enact legislation that sought to contribute to the country’s security, with a special focus on the country’s maritime interests and regional coastal security.
He said that it was also to ensure adherence to global norms and standards as they relate to maritime security.
However, a statement issued by the Committee Clerk, Dauda Bukar, on Thursday cited the recent passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja as the primary reason for the delay.
The late army chief, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, died on Tuesday at the age of 56 after a prolonged illness.
Following his death, the president, on Wednesday, directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late army chief.
The President’s directive was conveyed through 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.”