The Nigerian Army has officially denied reports claiming that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has passed away.
The rumors, which gained traction on social media, were fueled by a post from a Nigerian journalist who alleged that Lagbaja had died from cancer 48 hours ago.
According to the journalist’s post, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. He succumbed to stage three cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad nearly 48 hours ago, as confirmed by a senior government official.”
In response, the Nigerian Army labeled the report as fake news on X.
However, sources within the Army Headquarters have informed our correspondent that while the Army Chief is critically ill, he is not deceased. One source stated, “The COAS is not dead; he is critically ill. We should focus on praying for him during this challenging time instead of spreading false rumors.”
Another source added that Lagbaja is currently abroad receiving medical treatment.
“He is out of the country for treatment, and I have not received any confirmation of his death from anyone in his circle. Such information could not be kept confidential.”
Attempts to reach the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off, and he has yet to respond to a message regarding the situation.
