The Nigerian Army on Sunday reacted to reports claiming that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead.
An X user, Jackson Ude, had claimed that Labaja died of cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas about 48 hours ago.
Ude claimed that Lagbaja’s death had been kept silent due to intense lobbying by some top army generals.
He posted: “CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER”. 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 28 February 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff”.
Reacting, the Nigerian Army dismissed the claim, which it tagged “false”.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, had said Labaja was on leave.
Nwachukwu said the Army Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, would act in Lagbaja’s stead.
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.
According to The PUNCH, 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, 19 October 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 Nigerian Army.
“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.
