The Nigerian Army on Sunday dismissed rumors circulating in the media about the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Reports of his death, which originated from a social media post by a Nigerian journalist, went viral, claiming that Lagbaja had died of stage three cancer in a foreign hospital 48 hours earlier.
The post stated, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. He passed away in an undisclosed overseas hospital nearly 48 hours ago from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official.
The death has been kept secret due to intense lobbying by some generals vying for his position.”
In response, the Nigerian Army marked the news as false on its X account, debunking the claims. However, sources within Army Headquarters confirmed that Lagbaja is critically ill. One source noted, “COAS is not dead. He is critically ill at the moment.
We should be praying for him instead of spreading death rumors.” Another insider added that Lagbaja is currently receiving treatment abroad, but no reports of his death have surfaced.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, 15 Nigerian Army Generals have retired from service. The retired officers, all from the Artillery Corps, included 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals.
The Army announced the news via a post on X, confirming that the retirement ceremony took place at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State, on October 19, 2024.
During the pulling-out parade, Maj. Gen. James Myam (retd), speaking on behalf of the retired officers, reflected on their careers and expressed gratitude.
“We attribute our success to divine grace, acknowledging God’s protection throughout our years of service,” he said.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and extended well wishes to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, for continued strength and wisdom in his leadership.
Myam also offered advice to serving officers, urging them to remain loyal to the constitution and the democratically elected government, while maintaining vigilance and security consciousness.
The event was attended by several senior military officers, including former Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Alwali Kazir (retd).
