The Nigerian Army has refuted claims circulating on social media that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead.
The speculation originated from Jackson Ude, an X user, who alleged that Lagbaja passed away from cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad nearly 48 hours ago.
Ude further claimed that the Army had kept the death under wraps due to intense lobbying by top generals vying for the position.
Ude’s post read: “CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official. The death is being concealed due to fierce competition among generals for succession.”
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed as the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023.
Reacting to the claims, the Nigerian Army debunked the report, describing it as misleading and unfounded. Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu assured the public that Lagbaja is alive and currently on leave.
“The Chief of Army Staff is not dead. He is on leave,” Nwachukwu stated. He also confirmed that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been designated to oversee Lagbaja’s duties during his absence.
The Army urged Nigerians to disregard the rumor and avoid spreading false information, emphasizing the importance of responsible use of social media to prevent unnecessary panic.