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Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army has swiftly dismissed rumors circulating on social media regarding the alleged death of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. The rumors, sparked by a tweet from Jackson Ude, an investigative journalist and former presidential aide and social media commentator, claimed that Lagbaja had died from stage three cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas.

Ude’s tweet, which has since gone viral, read: “CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48hrs ago from a stage three Cancer, according to a senior Government official.”

However, Army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, promptly debunked the claims, stating that Lagbaja is alive and on official leave. Nwachukwu emphasized that necessary protocols had been put in place for Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim to act on Lagbaja’s behalf during his absence.

“We have seen the malicious report circulating on social media and wish to inform the public that it is completely false,” Nwachukwu said in a statement. “The Chief of Army Staff is alive and well, and his absence is not affecting the operations of the service.”

Despite the army’s reassurance, Ude challenged the military authorities to produce evidence of Lagbaja’s whereabouts, suggesting that the country was entering a period of secrecy similar to the late President Musa Yar’Adua era.

“I dare the military to produce a one-second video of the Chief of Army Staff,” Ude tweeted. “We are entering the late President Musa Yar’Adua era again. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. If the Army says it’s ‘fake news’, let them produce a one-second video of General Lagbaja on his sick bed.”

Amidst the controversy, the Nigerian Army pulled 15 generals from service, including 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals, in a ceremony held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kaduna State. The retired officers were honoured for their years of service, with Major General James Myam (retd.) reflecting on their long military careers and expressing gratitude.

According to media reports, sources close to Lagbaja revealed that he was flown abroad by his family members to seek medical attention due to a serious illness. His prolonged absence from official duties has sparked concerns among top generals, with many questioning the leadership vacuum.

Nwachukwu maintained that Lagbaja’s absence was not affecting the operations of the service, citing established protocols for dealing with such situations. “The Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances,” he said.

The development comes as President Bola Tinubu returns to the country after an 18-day leave, during which he spent time in the United Kingdom and France. The president’s vacation had sparked concerns among Nigerians, with many questioning the timing and duration of his leave.

As the situation unfolds, many are eagerly awaiting an official statement from the authorities to clarify Lagbaja’s status and address growing concerns within the military hierarchy. The Nigerian Army has assured the public that all routine and scheduled activities are proceeding as usual, with departmental chiefs carrying out their responsibilities in line with Lagbaja’s directives.

The controversy surrounding Lagbaja’s absence has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the military leadership. Nigerians are calling for clarity and reassurance that the country’s security is not compromised.

In a related development, security sources have expressed concerns about the potential implications of Lagbaja’s absence on the military’s operations, particularly in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

“The Chief of Army Staff’s absence has created a leadership vacuum, and it’s affecting morale among troops,” a security source said. “We need clarity on his status to ensure the continuity of our operations.”

The Nigerian Army has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the ongoing insurgency in the Northeast and rising tensions in the Niger Delta. The military’s effectiveness in addressing these challenges depends on strong leadership and clear communication.

As the country awaits further official clarification on Lagbaja’s status, Nigerians remain vigilant, demanding transparency and accountability from their military leaders.

ABUJA BUSINESS REPORTS NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE recalls that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja was appointed as the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023. Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, has had a distinguished military career, serving in various capacities before his appointment as Chief of Army Staff.

The Nigerian Army has faced numerous challenges under Lagbaja’s leadership, including the ongoing insurgency in the North East and rising tensions in the Niger Delta.