Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’

The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The rumours, attributed to a post by one Jackson Ude, were labeled “Fake News” by the army on its official X handle on Sunday.

Speculations had spread that the Army Chief passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad, with no official confirmation from the military or the Defence Headquarters.

In response, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the COAS is on leave and attending to his health outside the country.

“There is no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army,” Nwachukwu emphasised, adding that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, is overseeing army affairs during Lagbaja’s absence.

He dismissed the rumours as mischievous, designed to cause panic and confusion.

“The Nigerian Army has a well-structured protocol for dealing with such situations, and this is not the first time a service chief has taken leave,” Nwachukwu explained.

The Army assured Nigerians that the service remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security, while also expressing gratitude to those who have shown concern and prayed for Lagbaja’s swift recovery.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has strongly denied allegations that certain staff were deliberately excluded from its 2024 promotion list.

The claims, made by an online media outlet, suggested that the exclusion was a result of staff participation in an April protest.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, DICON’s Deputy Director of Information and Media, Maj. Haruna Sani, dismissed the accusations as “misleading” and called for them to be disregarded.

“The management of DICON has taken note of the unfounded allegations published against the noble image of the corporation by an online media outlet on Oct. 14,” Sani said.

“These allegations alleged that DICON leadership directed the exclusion of certain DICON staff members from the 2024 promotion list due to their participation in a staff protest held in April,” he added.

Sani emphasised that DICON operates under strict adherence to Public Service Regulations, with promotion decisions handled by independent committees composed of civilian members.

“The DG and DICON management only approve recommendations made by these committees based on objective assessments,” he noted.

He further clarified that DICON has no role in the enrollment of staff into the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), which falls under the Federal Government’s purview.

“The current DG did not invent these existing systems on assumption of office but has ensured that allowances due to DICON staff are paid,” Sani explained.

Addressing accusations of tribalism against the Director-General, Sani described them as “wholly unfounded.”

He pointed out that the DG’s personal staff and aides come from diverse states across Nigeria, including Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Plateau, with none from Akwa Ibom.

“This diverse representation indicates a commitment to competence, inclusivity, and fairness, for which the DG DICON is widely known,” Sani added.

Regarding the exclusion of 46 staff from this year’s promotion list, Sani revealed that these individuals had been disciplined for absenteeism and violations of the DICON Act 2023.

“These personnel were absent for over two weeks without valid justification,” he said, adding that some of them admitted to participating in the April strike.

Sani also dismissed allegations that a factory fire on the eve of the March 2023 protest was orchestrated to distract from staff grievances as “utterly ludicrous.”

“No sensible individual would risk compromising an establishment that employs over 800 people,” he remarked.

On the matter of unpaid 2019 minimum wage arrears and promotion arrears, Sani stressed that these issues are the responsibility of the Federal Government, and DICON has submitted all required documentation for approval.

He concluded by urging DICON staff to remain disciplined and committed to the corporation’s objectives, while advising the media to verify claims before publication.

“DICON staff are encouraged to renew their commitment and collaboration in achieving DICON’s objectives,” Sani said.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says training remains the best welfare that can be given to any soldier in ensuring results in areas of operations.

Lagbaja said this on Friday at the graduation ceremony of 585 Special Forces of Exercise Restore Hope VII, at the Nigerian Army Training Camp in Kachia, Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Special Forces comprised of 571 soldiers and 14 officers.

Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Training, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad, said that was why it was encapsulated in his command philosophy as a major area that must continue to be improved upon.

He described the demonstration of weapon handling, targets, team work and combat readiness of the soldiers as commendable.

Lagbaja said it was targeted at operational efforts put in place from the soldiers’ commencement of training in the depot.

“After coming out recently, we were able to bring them here and mould them properly again.

“The obstacles we observed in the field are skillfully addressed and maneuvered here by our gallant soldiers,” he said.

The Army chief, further said, “As the soldiers move out to the field, they become better trained and equipped.

“This will translate to better performance of the troops across all theaters of operations in the country.”

Issuing warning to adversaries, Lagbaja emphasised that the troops’ morale was very high, adding, “they will sustain the tempo of successes across all theaters of operations in the country.

“The Nigerian Army is happy with the support it is getting from the Federal Government and particularly Nigerians.

“They are now embracing the ‘whole-society approach’ in handling insurgency as it will continue to yield better results.”