The Nigerian Army has categorically denied widespread rumors circulating on social media that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has passed away. These false reports originated from a Nigerian journalist’s social media post claiming Lagbaja succumbed to stage three cancer at an undisclosed overseas hospital 48 hours prior
The alleged social media post also suggested that Lagbaja’s passing was concealed due to intense jockeying among high-ranking generals eager to succeed him. However, sources within Army Headquarters have contradicted this information, confirming that while Lagbaja is indeed critically ill, he is very much alive.
One reliable source emphasized the importance of praying for Lagbaja’s recovery rather than spreading unfounded rumors about his demise. Another insider revealed that Lagbaja had traveled abroad for medical treatment, dismissing speculation about his passing as baseless.
Lagbaja, born February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023. His illustrious military career spans multiple command positions, including General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division and Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division ¹.
Despite efforts to verify information through official channels, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, was unreachable, as his phone was switched off, and he had not responded to messages regarding the matter.
