The Nigerian Army has quickly denied circulating rumors that Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has died.
The allegations started when Nigerian journalist Jackson Ude claimed on social media that Lagbaja had passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad from stage three cancer.
Ude’s tweet claims that strong lobbying by generals vying for the role is what kept Lagbaja’s death a secret. The Nigerian Army, however, has declared Lagbaja’s assertion to be “fake news” and reassured the public that he is still alive.
The Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, explained that Lagbaja is presently on official leave and that the appropriate procedures have been established for Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim to operate in his stead. Lagbaja’s absence hasn’t had an impact on Army operations, Nwachukwu stressed.
“This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence,” said Nwachukwu. “Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”
The Army has reiterated its resolve to keep the nation secure and stable despite the baseless rumors.
