Nigerian Army Dismisses Rumours of Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja’s Death, Provides Update on His Health
The Nigerian Army has denied reports claiming that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has passed away. Rumours circulated on Sunday suggested that Lagbaja had succumbed to stage three cancer in a foreign hospital 48 hours earlier, but the Army has refuted these allegations, calling them fake.
A post on X (formerly Twitter) by a journalist sparked the rumours, stating, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died.” However, the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, debunked the reports and expressed gratitude to Nigerians praying for the Army chief’s well-being.
Earlier reports on Friday suggested that top military officers were already positioning themselves to take over Lagbaja’s role due to his undisclosed illness. Sources claimed that the general had been flown abroad by his family for medical treatment, describing his health condition as “strange.”
Speculations on Lagbaja’s Health and Absence
Lagbaja’s absence from recent military functions, including the Independence Day parade on 1st October, raised concerns within the military. A senior officer revealed, “He has not been seen at the Army headquarters or any official event for the last three weeks. His family moved him abroad for medical care.”
Sources also noted internal instability within the Army as officers reportedly “jostled” for the leadership position. One officer remarked, “The COAS’s absence has created some unease among the ranks, but we wish him a quick recovery.”
Despite the reports, Nwachukwu clarified that Lagbaja had followed due protocols before leaving, assigning Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim to act in his absence. “There is no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army. All routine activities are ongoing,” Nwachukwu assured.
About Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja
Lagbaja, born on 28th February 1968 in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the 27th Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, succeeding Faruk Yahaya. He officially assumed office on 23rd June 2023.
The Chief of Army Staff reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, who, in turn, is accountable to the Defence Minister and ultimately the President of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army urges the public to disregard unfounded rumours about Lagbaja’s death, stressing that the Army remains functional under the acting leadership.
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