Rumors of Nigerian Army Chief’s Death Debunked Amidst Health Concerns
Reports of the passing of Nigerian Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, sent shockwaves across the country on Sunday, but the Nigerian Army has swiftly debunked the news. The false information originated from a social media post by a Nigerian journalist, claiming that Lagbaja had succumbed to cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours prior.
According to the social media post, Lagbaja’s death was kept under wraps due to intense lobbying by some generals eyeing the position. The post also mentioned that Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the 27th Chief of Army Staff in June 2023.
However, the Nigerian Army quickly dismissed the report as fake news on X. Sources close to the Army Headquarters have confirmed to our correspondent that the Army Chief is indeed critically ill, but not deceased. An insider revealed, “The COAS is not dead; he is only critically ill at the moment. We should be praying for him at this critical time and not spreading rumors that he died.”
Another source disclosed that Lagbaja is currently out of the country for medical treatment. “He is out of the country for treatment. And I have not heard of his death from anyone around him. There is no way such information could be hidden,” the source said.
The phone of Maj. Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the director of Army Public Relations, was switched off at the time of our inquiry, and he has yet to respond to a message regarding the matter.
The swift clarification by the Nigerian Army has put to rest speculation surrounding the Army Chief’s health, and the nation waits with bated breath for his recovery. As Lagbaja battles his illness, the nation’s prayers and well wishes are with him.
