The Nigerian Army has addressed and dismissed the rumors surrounding the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The Army confirmed that Lagbaja recently spoke with President Bola Tinubu, briefing him on his health status during the conversation, thus debunking the swirling rumors about his demise.
According to a source from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the president was pleased to hear from Lagbaja and prayed for his swift recovery. The Army Headquarters quickly dispelled the death rumors, calling them fake news. The rumors were initially sparked by a post from Jackson Ude, a former communications official in Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, who falsely claimed that Lagbaja had passed away.
Rumor Clarification by Army and Pro-Tinubu Group
A pro-Tinubu group, Renewed Hope Agenda The Way Forward (RHATWF), also stepped in to clear the air, asking Nigerians to disregard the baseless rumors. The group highlighted that if Lagbaja, a Muslim, had passed, he would have been buried immediately as per Islamic injunctions. The DHQ source assured the public that Lagbaja is in high spirits and recuperating, with the president offering prayers for his quick recovery.
The Army firmly branded Ude’s post, titled “Chief of Army Staff Dies of Cancer,” as false information. Ude had claimed, citing an unnamed government official, that Lagbaja had died in an undisclosed overseas hospital 48 hours earlier. In response, the Army issued an official statement refuting these claims and categorizing the report as fake news.
Army Denies Claims of Leadership Vacuum
Earlier, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed the rumors that the Army was running on autopilot since Lagbaja left for medical treatment abroad. Nwachukwu clarified that although the COAS had traveled for a medical checkup, contrary to initial claims that he was on annual leave, he remains in full communication with his team. Major General Kevin Aligbe, the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, announced the result of a promotion exam in Lagbaja’s absence, following authorization from the Chief of Policy and Plans, who is handling administrative duties during the COAS’s medical leave.
Nwachukwu emphasized that this is not the first time a senior military leader has been absent for an extended period due to health reasons. He highlighted past instances where service chiefs were unavailable for months but ensured that their deputies handled their responsibilities in line with military protocols. Therefore, claims of a leadership vacuum are speculative, as all military activities continue as scheduled.
Calls for Unity and Support
Sam Atasia Oburu, Chairman and Convener of the pro-Tinubu group, urged Nigerians to dismiss the rumors, stating that Lagbaja left for a routine medical checkup and followed all necessary legal procedures before doing so. The group criticized those spreading misinformation, accusing them of attempting to sabotage the army chief’s efforts to combat terrorism and weaken national security.
The pro-Tinubu group praised Lagbaja’s leadership in addressing various security challenges across the country, including insurgency in the North, militancy in the Niger Delta, and separatist movements in the South East. The COAS’s commitment to national unity and security, along with his unbiased approach to appointing senior officers, has earned him widespread respect.
The group called on Nigerians to ignore the fake news and instead pray for Lagbaja’s recovery, so he can return to his role with renewed strength. They emphasized that Lagbaja’s contributions to national security have been invaluable, and his efforts deserve support, not baseless speculation.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Army and supporting groups have reassured the public that Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is alive, well, and actively engaged in his duties, even while recovering. The army remains committed to its mission, and there is no cause for concern regarding a leadership crisis.
