The Nigerian Army has refuted reports claiming that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. The Army clarified that Lagbaja is on official leave and that all necessary protocols are in place for Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), to act in his absence.

Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, debunked rumours suggesting a leadership vacuum, assuring the public that operations remain unaffected.

“There are unfounded claims of confusion within the ranks. This could not be further from the truth,” Nwachukwu said. “The Nigerian Army is a highly structured institution with established protocols for all situations. Before the COAS went on leave, Major General Ibrahim was designated to act in his place, ensuring no disruption in operations.”

He added that the army’s routine activities were proceeding as scheduled, urging the public to disregard misleading reports.