Taoreed Lagbaja Army
The Nigerian Army has dismissed recent reports alleging that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died.
The rumors claimed Lagbaja passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad due to stage three cancer, sparking widespread concern.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, in a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Nigerian Army labeled the reports as fake news.
The Army had previously assured the public that despite Lagbaja’s absence on official leave, there is no leadership vacuum within the service.
On Saturday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, issued a formal clarification.
He confirmed that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been designated to act on behalf of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja during his absence. Nwachukwu emphasized that all necessary protocols are in place to ensure the smooth functioning of the Army, and the temporary leadership arrangement is effective.
In addition, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu clarified that the COAS’s absence has not affected key administrative duties, including promotions. He noted that the results of the Captain-to-Major promotion exams had been approved and released by Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim.
Prior to the Army’s clarification, several reports speculated that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was battling undisclosed health issues, leading to rumors of a power struggle within the military over his potential replacement.
Sources even suggested that top military officers were maneuvering for his position amid the uncertainties.
Taoreed Lagbaja Army
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, became the 27th Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Faruk Yahaya.
The Chief of Army Staff holds a critical position within the Nigerian military, directly reporting to the Chief of Defence Staff, who reports to the Defence Minister and the President.
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