Lagbaja: NPF announces 7-day mourning in tribute to COAS, orders personnel to wear black band 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), pursuant to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun’s directive has announced a 7-day mourning period for the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, requiring all police personnel to wear black band during the period.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the Federal Government had earlier on Wednesday directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast to pay respects to the late COAS, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

The IGP directed all police personnel nationwide to wear black bands for seven days to honor the late Chief of Army Staff.

According to a statement released by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Lieutenant Lagbaja aged 56 passed away on Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness.

The Defence Headquarters had previously denied rumors of the Lieutenant General’s death, stating that he was actually on medical leave abroad, receiving treatment for a health issue.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, clarified that there was no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army despite Lagbaja’s absence.

As reported by Premium Times, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff, filling the position temporarily while Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja was on medical leave.

Tinubu promoted Olufemi Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, to the rank of Lieutenant General, effective Tuesday.

The PRO of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released on Thursday said “the directive to wear the black band is to pay tribute and honor the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and passion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria.

Know about Lagbaja

General Taoreed Lagbaja was a renowned Nigerian Army lieutenant general who served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 2023 to November 2024.

He was born on February 28, 1968, in Irepodun, Osun State. Lagbaja spent his early life in Osogbo, where he attended St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.

Early Career of Lagbaja

Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as a member of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on September 19, 1992, into the Nigerian Infantry Corps.

He held various command positions, including platoon commander of the 93 Battalion and 72 Special Forces Battalion.

Education and Training of Lagbaja

The Chief of Army Staff obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy and later studied Strategic Studies at the US Army War College, earning a Master’s degree.

He also attended the Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping Wing and the ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course.

Key Positions

Before becoming the Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja served as General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division from March 2021 to August 2022, General Officer Commanding Headquarters 1 Division from August 2022 to June 2023, Commander of Headquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos State, and Commander of Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Awards and Honors

Lagbaja received several honors and awards, including the Nigerian Army Medal, Grand Service Star, and Field Command Medal of Honour.

 Decorations

While on earth, Lagbaja was decorated with Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medal of Honour, Nigerian Army Medal, and the United Nations Medal (for peacekeeping operations).

International Peacekeeping Missions

The Chief of Army Staff went on United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia.

Personal Qualities

He was known for his strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, passion about troops’ welfare, dedication to national security, and his gallantry and courage.

Legacy

General Taoreed Lagbaja’s legacy includes enhancing operational efficiency in the Nigerian Army, improving troops’ morale and welfare, strengthening counter-insurgency operations, promoting inter-agency cooperation and synergy, and inspiring a new generation of military leaders.

Personal Life

Taoreed was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja and had three children. Unfortunately, he passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 56, after a period of illness.

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