Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja Updates Tinubu on Health Amid Death Rumors
President Tinubu expresses prayers for Lagbaja’s swift recovery.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, communicated with President Bola Tinubu yesterday, clarifying his health status in response to circulating rumors about his death. Sources from the Defence Headquarters indicated that the president was pleased to hear from Lagbaja and prayed for his rapid recovery. The Army has categorically dismissed the death rumors as misinformation.
In response to a post by former Director of Strategy and Communication to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Jackson Ude, the Army emphasized the falsehood of the claims regarding Lagbaja’s death.
The pro-Tinubu group, Renewed Hope Agenda The Way Forward (RHATWF), also urged the public to ignore the rumors, emphasizing that, as per Muslim customs, burial would occur almost immediately if the claims were true.
A Defense Headquarters source stated that during the conversation, Lagbaja exhibited a clear and spirited demeanor, reassuring the president of his well-being. “I can confirm that the rumors about his death are false. He is recuperating and very much alive,” the source asserted.
Ude had alleged in a post titled “Chief of Army Staff Dies of Cancer” that Lagbaja had passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad two days prior, citing an unnamed government official. However, the Army quickly labeled this as fake news.
Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, refuted claims that the Nigerian Army was lacking leadership during Lagbaja’s medical leave. He confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff was on a medical check-up abroad and emphasized that he had complied with all protocols before his departure.
Nwachukwu also countered public speculation about delays in promotion exam results, clarifying that appropriate channels had been followed for announcing the results in Lagbaja’s absence. He noted that past instances of service chiefs being away for extended periods were not unusual and that the Army continues to operate effectively.
In a statement, RHATWF’s chairman, Sam Atasia Oburu, reiterated that Lagbaja had traveled for an annual leave and routine medical check-up, ensuring that he had delegated responsibilities properly before his leave. He condemned the dissemination of unfounded rumors, emphasizing Lagbaja’s ongoing commitment to combating various security challenges in Nigeria.
Oburu urged Nigerians to pray for Lagbaja’s recovery and to disregard the baseless rumors, affirming that the Chief of Army Staff is alive and actively engaged in his duties. The group denounced the misinformation as an attempt to undermine Lagbaja’s efforts in maintaining national security.
