Nigerian Army Dismisses Reports of Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja’s Death | #NwokeukwuMascot

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The Nigerian Army has refuted claims circulating about the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Several reports surfaced on Sunday, alleging that the Army chief had passed away from cancer. A social media post by a journalist read: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. He passed away in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official.”

However, the Nigerian Army has labeled the report as false. Sources also confirmed to newsmen on Sunday that the Army chief is alive. Earlier on Friday, newsmen reported that top military officers had begun lobbying for the position of Chief of Army Staff due to Lagbaja’s health condition. It was learned that retired generals had started seeking political influence in the event of his departure.

Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 as the 27th Chief of Army Staff. He took office on June 23, 2023, succeeding Faruk Yahaya.

The Chief of Army Staff reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, who, in turn, reports to the Minister of Defence, and is ultimately accountable to the President of Nigeria. Last Tuesday, newsmen exclusively reported that the Army General had been flown abroad by his family for medical treatment. Sources described his ailment as “strange.”

“The Chief of Army Staff has not been seen for many days now. He hasn’t appeared at Army headquarters or at any military function in the past three weeks. I can confirm that he is seriously ill and was taken to the hospital. His family made arrangements to move him abroad for medical treatment,” a source revealed.

Another source shared: “The COAS is a strong leader, but some Major Generals are taking advantage of his absence. Someone needs to be in charge. I wish him a quick recovery. I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State, when we were young officers and he was a captain.”

A Major had also observed: “As military men, we are taught to be observant, so I noticed that he was absent from the October 1 Independence Day parade ground in Abuja. I asked my superiors, including a general, and was told he was out of the country. It is unusual for him to miss such an important event.”

On Friday, sources told newsmen that Lagbaja’s health had worsened, causing significant concern within the military. They noted that the Chief of Army Staff had become incapacitated due to his deteriorating condition.

“His health is seriously deteriorating. He is on his sickbed and cannot hear what people are saying anymore, similar to someone with hearing problems. We are all praying for his swift recovery,” one source said.

Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja

The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, expressed gratitude to “all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.” 

Nwachukwu dismissed rumors that Lagbaja’s absence had created a leadership vacuum, stating that before proceeding on leave, “necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS.”

“Claims of a leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army are merely speculative, as all routine and scheduled activities of the Service are continuing as planned,” Nwachukwu added.