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

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.