‘Fake News’ — Army Debunks Reports Of COAS’ Death Abroad

The Nigerian Army has debunked viral reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is dead.

The Army’s rebuttal followed reports that Taoreed had died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago from stage three Cancer abroad.

The death rumour which was shared on social media has been described as fake news across the social media handles of the army.

Recall that the Nigerian Army had confirmed the absence of the COAS in office, stating that
Lagbaja is only on official leave, as opposed to reports that there was a vacuum in the Army following his secret absence.

The Army said before his proceeding on leave, necessary protocols had been put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.

He said, “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.

“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.”

According to the General, “Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA presently is, therefore, mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the Service are on course.”