The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has dismissed swirling rumours about his death, confirming that he is alive and recovering.
Lagbaja personally spoke with President Bola Tinubu, reassuring him about his health status and receiving prayers for a speedy recovery. This revelation comes amidst rampant speculation fueled by social media posts, alleging the death of the top military officer.
A source from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that Lagbaja held a clear and uplifting conversation with President Tinubu. “The President was very happy to hear from the COAS and prayed fervently for his quick recovery,” the source disclosed.
The rumours about the COAS’s death had gained traction after a post by Jackson Ude, a former Director of Strategy and Communication to former President Goodluck Jonathan, claimed that Lagbaja had died in an undisclosed hospital overseas. Ude’s post, titled “Chief of Army Staff Dies of Cancer,” spread rapidly across social media platforms.
In response to the allegations, the Nigerian Army swiftly issued a statement categorically denying the claims. The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, called the rumors “fake news” and urged the public to disregard them.
Nwachukwu clarified that while the COAS is currently undergoing a routine medical check-up abroad, his condition is stable, and there is no cause for alarm. “He is recuperating and will return to duty soon,” Nwachukwu assured the public.
The Army also dispelled insinuations that the institution has been running on autopilot in Lagbaja’s absence. Nwachukwu emphasized that all necessary protocols had been followed before the COAS embarked on his medical trip.
Contrary to earlier reports claiming that Lagbaja was on leave, the Army confirmed that he traveled abroad for a medical check-up. As a public officer, Lagbaja is entitled to such check-ups, and his leave is in line with standard procedures.
To ensure continuity in the Army’s operations, Lagbaja handed over responsibilities to his subordinates before departing. The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, is currently overseeing routine military activities.
Nwachukwu explained that it is not uncommon for military leaders to take medical leave, and that similar instances have occurred in the past. “There have been cases where service chiefs were away for three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans managed affairs in their absence,” Nwachukwu noted.
In addition to the Army’s clarification, a pro-Tinubu group, The Renewed Hope Agenda The Way Forward (RHATWF), has called on Nigerians to ignore the rumors.
Sam Atasia Oburu, the group’s chairman, urged the public to be cautious about spreading false information, especially concerning national security figures. He pointed out that as a Muslim, if Lagbaja had truly passed away, he would have been buried immediately according to Islamic traditions.
Oburu expressed disappointment at those behind the rumors, labeling them as “mischief makers” intent on tarnishing Lagbaja’s reputation and undermining his efforts in the fight against terrorism.
“It is clear that these detractors are unhappy with the COAS’s achievements in securing the country and are attempting to push him off the ladder,” Oburu said. “However, they will fail, as Lagbaja will return stronger to continue his good work.”
The Chief of Army Staff has been widely praised for his role in leading the fight against insurgency and insecurity across Nigeria. Since assuming office, Lagbaja has focused on combating terrorism in the North, militancy in the Niger Delta, secessionist movements in the Southeast, and the farmer-herder conflict in the Middle Belt.
Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army has carried out several successful operations against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. Lagbaja’s unbiased approach in appointing and redeploying senior officers has earned him a reputation for fairness and dedication to national unity.
Oburu highlighted Lagbaja’s efforts to tackle crime across all regions of the country. “His all-round approach to fighting crime has distinguished him among his peers,” Oburu said.
The pro-Tinubu group praised Lagbaja’s transparency in military operations, noting that his recent personnel postings, promotions, and training programs demonstrate his commitment to the country’s security and cohesion.
In light of the rumors, both the Army and RHATWF have called on Nigerians to show solidarity by praying for Lagbaja’s health and recovery.
“We urge Nigerians to distance themselves from fake news and instead offer prayers for the COAS, who has put his life on the line for the country’s security,” Oburu said.
As the rumours die down, the Army remains focused on its statutory responsibilities. Nwachukwu reiterated that all scheduled military activities are proceeding as planned, with no disruptions in the chain of command.
The Army assured the public that Lagbaja would return to his post once his medical check-up and leave are concluded.
“The COAS is alive and active,” Nwachukwu declared, putting an end to the rumors that had caused widespread concern across the country.
