The Nigerian Army on Sunday debunked reports circulating in the media that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has died.
Several reports originating from a social media post by a Nigerian journalist announcing the death of the Army chief went viral on Sunday.
The journalist claimed that Lagbaja had died of cancer 48 hours ago.
The post read, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official.
“The death of the Chief of Army Staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position.
“Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.”
Reacting to the post on X, the Nigerian Army marked it as fake news.
However, sources at the Army Headquarters confirmed to our correspondent that the army chief was critically ill.
One of the sources said, “COAS is not dead. He is only critically ill at the moment. We should be praying for him at this critical time and not spreading rumours that he died.”
Another source said he was out of the country to treat himself.
“He is out of the country for treatment. And I have not heard of his death from anyone around him. There is no way such information could be hidden,” the source said.
The phone number of the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, indicated it was switched off.
He was yet to respond to a message sent to him on the matter.
The development came as no fewer than 15 Generals of the Nigerian Army bowed out of service.
The retired Generals are from the Artillery Corps of the Service.
The PUNCH reports that the Artillery Corps delivers heavy firepower support to allied forces positioned at the front lines of the battlefield.
In a post on X, the Nigerian Army said the retired officers consist of 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals.
The post added that the retired generals were pulled out of the service at a ceremony held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kaduna State.
It read, “The Nigerian Army formally pulled out 15 retired Generals from the Artillery Corps on Saturday, October 19, 2024, during a ceremony at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State. The group of retirees included 11 Major Generals and 4 Brigadier Generals.”
Speaking on behalf of the retired officers during the pulling-out parade, Maj Gen James Myam (retd) reflected on their long military careers, expressing fulfilment and gratitude.
“He attributed their success to divine grace, acknowledging God’s protection throughout their years of service. He also extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, wishing him continued strength and wisdom in his leadership of the NA.
“Looking back, Maj Gen Myam recalled the beginning of their military journeys when they reported to the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna as Officer Cadets.
“He offered advice to the officers still in service, urging them to remain loyal to the constitution and the democratically elected government while maintaining vigilance and security consciousness.
“The retired general also expressed gratitude to the families, spouses, friends, instructors, and mentors who supported them throughout their careers.
“The event was attended by several senior retired and serving military officers, including former Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Alwali Kazir (retd),” the statement added.
