Late COAS Lagbaja: Tinubu Confers Post-Humous Honour of CFR

President Bola Tinubu on Friday conferred a post-homous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. He made the declaration during the interment in honour of the late warrior at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja. The President extoled the virtues of the late warrior, eulogising his contributions to national security. According to Tinubu, the appointment of Lagbaja as the COAS was one of his finest made so far. The event had in attendance Vice President Kashima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Defence Minister, governors and top military officials. Last week, Tinubu announced Lagbaja’s death, saying the late warrior passed away in Lagos after a period of illness. Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months. President Tinubu appointed him to the role in June 2023. He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

Lagbaja: Police Officers to Wear Black Bands for Seven Days

In tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed all police officers across the country to wear black bands for the next seven days.  This is part of the national mourning period following his passing at the age of 56 after battling an undisclosed illness. The presidency confirmed the death of Lagbaja on Wednesday, and the Federal Government has also ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast in his honor.  Lagbaja, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, was recognized for his leadership and dedication to combating insurgency and violent crime. In a statement on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the directive from the IGP, acknowledging the late general’s contributions to national security.  The black bands will serve as a mark of respect for his service and leadership.