President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s national flags to be flown at half-mast for seven days to honor the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, appointed by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, dedicated his life to serving Nigeria. His contributions to internal security operations and professionalism have left a lasting impact.
“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief,” said Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. “He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”
Defence Ministers Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle commiserated with President Tinubu, the military, and Lagbaja’s family. “The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and exhibited a high level of professionalism. He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.”
This gesture of flying the national flag at half-mast is not new to Nigeria. Previously, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the same in January 2022 to honor a former Head of State who died at 85.
