The Nigerian Army has officially debunked rumors surrounding the death of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, assuring the public that he is alive and recovering well.
This clarification came after President Bola Tinubu spoke directly with Lagbaja, who updated the president on his health status, dispelling the swirling rumors of his passing.
According to a source at the Defence Headquarters, President Tinubu was relieved to hear Lagbaja’s voice and expressed happiness over the conversation.
The president also prayed for the COAS’s swift recovery, reaffirming his confidence in Lagbaja’s leadership.
The rumors, which had gained traction after a social media post by Jackson Ude, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, claimed that Lagbaja had died from cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad. The Army quickly branded the post as fake news, with both the Army Headquarters and pro-Tinubu group, Renewed Hope Agenda The Way Forward (RHATWF), urging Nigerians to disregard the false claims.
A source at the DHQ emphasized that Lagbaja is in good spirits, stating, “The rumor about his death is completely false. He is recuperating and not dead.”
Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, also addressed the rumors, confirming that the COAS had indeed traveled abroad for a medical check-up, contrary to earlier reports suggesting he was simply on leave. Nwachukwu clarified that as a public officer, Lagbaja is entitled to medical leave and had followed all necessary legal protocols before his trip.
Nwachukwu further dismissed claims that the Nigerian Army was operating without leadership due to the COAS’s absence. He reassured the public that all routine operations are ongoing and that the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, had overseen the release of promotion exam results with proper authorization.
“This is not the first time a service chief has been absent for medical reasons, and there is no leadership vacuum. The Army remains fully functional,” Nwachukwu asserted.
RHATWF also condemned those spreading the false news, accusing detractors of attempting to undermine Lagbaja’s efforts in fighting terrorism, militancy, and other security challenges across Nigeria. The group praised the COAS for his commitment to national unity and his unbiased approach to appointments and redeployments within the Army.
They further urged Nigerians to ignore the baseless rumors and pray for Lagbaja’s recovery, stating, “Lt-Gen. Lagbaja has placed his life on the line for Nigeria’s security, and the least we can do is support him as he recuperates.”
The Nigerian Army has reiterated that Lagbaja remains in good health and looks forward to his return to duty after his medical leave.
