Army debunks COAS death rumours, retires 15 Generals

Army debunks COAS death rumours, retires 15 Generals

 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.

Source: Army debunks COAS death rumours, retires 15 Generals

 - NigerianEye
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