Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja had a phone conversation with President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, dispelling ongoing rumours about his death.
The army chief, currently abroad for medical reasons, updated the president on his health, reassuring him of his well-being.
According to sources from the Defence Headquarters, President Tinubu was pleased to hear from Lagbaja and prayed for his quick recovery.
This conversation directly contradicts the viral death rumours, which the Army Headquarters later dismissed as false information.
The rumours were fueled by a social media post from Jackson Ude who claimed that the service chief died of cancer at an undisclosed hospital abroad.
But the army confirmed that Lagbaja is recuperating and remains in high spirits.
An army source told ThisDay:
“He held a clear conversation with the president and he was in high spirit. The president was very happy and prayed fervently for his quick recovery.
“I can tell you, therefore, that the rumour about his death is not correct. This information is authentic and as such, rubbishes the ungodly rumour about his death. He is recuperating and not dead.”
Additionally, the Army clarified that operations are running smoothly, with the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim managing duties during Lagbaja’s medical absence.
