Nigerian Army Dismisses Rumors About Gen. Lagbaja’s Alleged Death
Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu was recently named interim Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by the Nigerian Army while Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is on leave. Rumors have been going around about Lagbaja’s health, which led to this statement.
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) October 20, 2024
According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Lagbaja is still living and on leave. He said this in response to false claims that he had died.
The appointment of Bagudu indicates that the Army will continue to be directed and operated regularly while Lagbaja is abroad. Bagudu, who was just appointed Chief of Policy and Plans, is well-known in the military and will most likely keep things calm at this period.
COAS FLAGS OFF NIGERIAN ARMY SMALL ARMS CHAMPIONSHIP 2024
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has officially flagged off the 2024 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) at the Jaji Military Cantonment Range in Kaduna State, on October 21, 2024.… pic.twitter.com/pYHdaZ2iNz
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) October 21, 2024
Online reports said that Lagbaja had died of stage three cancer at an unknown hospital abroad. This started the health lies. These reports were quickly shot down by the Nigerian Army, which called them fake news and told the public that Lagbaja was on leave and healthy.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has also been told about Lagbaja’s health and has urged the Army Chief to get better quickly. The President’s office has told people to ignore the reports and believe what the Nigerian Army says.
NIGERIAN ARMY PULLS OUT 15 RETIRED ARTILLERY CORPS GENERALS
The Nigerian Army (NA) 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 (NASA) in Kachia, Kaduna State. The group… pic.twitter.com/AVsW1NnHmL
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) October 20, 2024
The army’s swift reaction to the stories demonstrates the importance of accurate information and how incorrect information may alter people’s perceptions. The Army’s decision to choose Bagudu as acting COAS demonstrates their commitment to good leadership and tactical effectiveness, especially under difficult circumstances.
While the Nigerian Army continues to deal with its Chief of Army Staff’s health issues, the public is asked to stay updated through formal means and not share information that hasn’t been checked.
Both military experts and the public have praised the Army for being open and taking charge of the situation.
