By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
On October 20, 2024, the Nigerian Army officially dismissed rumors concerning the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. These rumors stemmed from a viral social media post by a Nigerian journalist, who claimed that Lagbaja had died from cancer two days earlier.
The post alleged that his death was being concealed due to “intense lobbying by some generals who wish to take the position.” In response, the Army labeled these claims as “fake news.” However, sources within the Army confirmed that Lagbaja is critically ill and currently receiving medical treatment abroad. One source emphasized, “The COAS is not dead. He is only critically ill at the moment.
We should be praying for him… and not spreading rumors of his death.” Another source added that there was no way such significant information could be kept hidden.
Source: Informant Online.
