The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed circulating reports alleging the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The rumors, which quickly spread across social media and various news outlets, claimed that the Army Chief had passed away under undisclosed circumstances, prompting concern and confusion among the public.
In an official statement, Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu labeled the reports as "false and misleading," affirming that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is alive, well, and actively fulfilling his duties.
Nwachukwu condemned the spread of misinformation, describing it as an attempt to destabilize the nation and sow unnecessary panic.
"The Chief of Army Staff is in good health and continues to perform his responsibilities diligently," the statement read.
"We urge the public to disregard these rumors and avoid sharing unverified information that could jeopardize national security."
The Army’s rebuttal comes amid rising concerns over the spread of fake news in Nigeria, particularly involving prominent public figures.
Security experts have warned that such unfounded reports could have serious implications for the morale of the military and the general public.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, has been actively engaged in overseeing military operations aimed at addressing security challenges across the country.
His leadership has been critical in combating insurgency and other threats to national stability.
The Army has reassured the public of its commitment to transparency and urged citizens to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information.
Meanwhile, social media users and news platforms have been cautioned to verify facts before disseminating information to avoid the spread of baseless rumors.
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