Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a move that has raised more questions than answers, the Nigerian Army retired 15 Generals on October 19, 2024. The ceremony, held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State, saw 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals from the Artillery Corps officially step down. While such retirements are not uncommon, the timing of this event has fueled growing speculation about the health of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Truth Live News gathered that during the ceremony, Maj. Gen. James Myam (retd) spoke on behalf of the retirees, expressing gratitude for their careers and acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s role in their service. However, his remarks also included best wishes to Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, a nod that seemed to acknowledge ongoing rumors about the Army chief’s health.
The recent spate of retirements follows a pattern that has been unsettling to observers. Earlier this year, 29 generals were retired in May, and a staggering 113 generals were forced out in December 2023. Now, with another 15 senior officers exiting, questions arise about whether there is more to these shifts than routine transitions.
Meanwhile, rumors about Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s health have been making rounds, with some reports claiming he succumbed to cancer. Although the Army swiftly dismissed these rumors, stating that Lagbaja is critically ill but still alive and receiving treatment abroad, the lack of transparency has only stoked the flames of speculation. It appears the Army is keen to quash any hint of instability, urging the public to refrain from spreading “unfounded rumors.”
Yet, with so many generals suddenly leaving the force, one has to wonder if there’s more to the story. Are these retirements simply a part of the Army’s regular routine, or is the government maneuvering behind the scenes, perhaps hiding the full extent of the challenges facing its leadership? The timing, the health concerns, and the secrecy surrounding the top brass all hint at a possible cover-up, or at the very least, a delicate situation being carefully managed.
Only time will tell, but the public’s unease is palpable, and calls for greater transparency will likely grow louder as this situation unfolds.