The Nigerian Army has dismissed rumours circulating about the alleged death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The false claim originated from a social media post by Jackson Ude, a former presidential aide, who tweeted that the army chief had died of cancer in an overseas hospital.

The tweet sparked public concern, but the Nigerian Army promptly labelled the post as “Fake News” on its official X handle. On Saturday, Army spokesperson Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu refuted reports of a leadership vacuum within the military, affirming that Lagbaja is on leave and undergoing medical treatment abroad. He reassured the public that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), is acting in Lagbaja’s stead during his absence.

Nwachukwu emphasized that the Nigerian Army is operating smoothly, with all routine activities proceeding as planned. He urged the public to disregard rumours and have confidence in the army’s structure and readiness to defend the nation. The army also expressed gratitude to concerned Nigerians who have been praying for Lagbaja’s recovery.