The Nigerian Army has swiftly dismissed reports claiming that Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had passed away due to stage three cancer in an undisclosed foreign hospital. The Army labeled these reports “fake news” and assured the public that Lagbaja was alive and recovering.
According to a source at Defence Headquarters, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was relieved to hear from Lagbaja directly and expressed his joy and prayers for his quick recovery. “The President spoke to Lagbaja, who had a clear conversation with the President and was in high spirits. The President was pleased and prayed fervently for his quick recovery,” the source revealed.
Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been designated to act on behalf of Lagbaja during his absence. Nwachukwu emphasized that necessary protocols are in place to ensure seamless army operations and that officer promotions have not been stalled.
Lagbaja, appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023, is the 27th Chief of Army Staff and plays a crucial role in the Nigerian military hierarchy. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that no appointment has been made as the acting Chief of Army Staff. Lagbaja remains the COAS,
“The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contrary to speculation by certain media outlets. For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).”
The DHQ added that Lagbaja is on leave and would resume immediately after his leave.
The DHQ has also rubbished calls for a military coup to take over power from President Tinubu, stressing the Nigerian Military’s loyalty to the President and appreciating his support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution,” the army warned.
“The AFN is steadfastly committed to preserving and advancing our democracy and is loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” said Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information.
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