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BREAKING: Nigerian Army reacts to reports that General Lagbaja is dead

The Nigerian Army has debunked the rumour flying around on the purported death of General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff.

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The rumour, which has since gone viral, started after a tweet from Jackson Ude, former presidential aide and social media commentator.

“CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48hrs ago from a stage three Cancer, according to a senior Government official. The death of the Chief of Army staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position. Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff,” Ude had tweeted at exactly 12:49pm.

But the Nigerian Army, which has consistently denied reports on the alleged ailment of the General, stamped Ude’s tweet with FAKE NEWS on X.

On Saturday, Onyema Nwachukwu, Army spokesman, dismissed media reports suggesting that there is leadership vacuum following the absence of Lagbaja, saying he is on official leave, and necessary protocols had been put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on his behalf during his absence.

Nwachukwu, a major general, emphasised that Lagbaja’s absence is not affecting the operations of the service.

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“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further 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 was 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. Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”

The army spokesman said all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course, adding that the appropriate departmental chiefs are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS directives.

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Nigerian troops decimate Boko Haram fighters, capture suspected terror collaborator

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3 days ago

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February 20, 2025

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Nigerian troops decimate Boko Haram fighters, capture suspected terror collaborator

On February 17, 2025, Nigerian Army troops in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State carried out a daring operation that resulted in the successful neutralisation of 10 Boko Haram members and the seizure of a sizable arsenal of weapons in an attempt to quell insurgency.

The troops’ overwhelming weaponry overpowered the terrorists during the attack, which targeted a well-known Boko Haram stronghold in the Iza woodland.

Ten terrorists were killed during the operation, while the others were left in ruins. Two AK-47 weapons and two loaded magazines were found in the aftermath.

In addition, a significant terror collaborator—known for extorting ransom on behalf of various terrorist and bandit groups—was captured.

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Elsewhere, in a separate operation in Tunfa village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops carried out a successful ambush based on credible intelligence. They neutralized a bandit and apprehended a high-value suspect tied to the notorious Sani Black terrorist faction.

The captured suspect provided vital information that led to a raid on Tunga village, a bandit hideout dealing in stolen cattle. Several bandits were arrested, and all bandit infrastructure in the area was dismantled.

Furthermore, troops in Sokoto State acted on human intelligence to arrest a suspected terrorist at Illela Market in Illela Local Government Area.

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, commended the troops for their exceptional efforts and operational precision.

He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminal activity across the nation. He also urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to bolster the military’s ongoing efforts.

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208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination

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2 weeks ago

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February 10, 2025

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208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination

The Nigerian Army on Sunday commenced the 2025 Lt. to Capt. practical promotion examination, with 208 candidates participating in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long examination is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Addressing the candidates, the President of the Examination Board, Commander, TRADOC , Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe,. charged them to focus fully on the important task ahead.

He said, “The examination aims to evaluate the officers’ proficiency in various aspects of the military profession, including command ability, tactical employment, and physical fitness.”

Aligbe also emphasised the importance of the examination, stating that it was a critical milestone in the officers’ careers.

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He urged the candidates to remain focused, intuitive, and confident in their abilities, assuring them that the examination board was committed to transparency and fairness.

Aligbe disclosed that subjects to cover during the examination include tactics and low intensity conflicts, map reading, communication and skills at arms proficiency test.

Others are driving and maintenance, administration in the field, French language and physical fitness test.
Aligbe said: “Candidates are required to score a minimum of 50 per cent in all the subjects, with a minimum aggregate score of 60 per cent overall score to pass the examination.

“Let me remind you that Army Headquarters policy allows a maximum of three attempts for any candidate to pass this examination.

“I urge you all, particularly the candidates on their second attempt, to put in your best in order to obtain the minimum marks required to earn a pass.
“Be confident in yourselves and do not be discouraged.

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“Just be focused and I assure you that if you give your best, you will pass the examination.”

According to the commander, to ensure the integrity of the examination, the Nigerian Army has put in place strict security measures, including video coverage and invigilation by experienced officers.

“The top-performing officers will be rewarded with Certificates of Excellence and Letters of Commendation, as well as cash gifts.

“We shall, in the conduct of this examination, be guided by good conscience and the extant provisions of the NA Charter r Promotion Examinations (Revised) September 2022, “he said.

Aligbe added that there was no need to be pessimistic or contemplate failure, adding, “this is if you have prepared well for this examination.

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“In fact, our desire is to see all of you pass this examination.

“On our part, I assure you of our determination to carry out a meticulous and painstaking assessment of your performances and accurate recording of your marks.

“We shall be firm, but fair to all of you and will not tolerate any actions that would jeopardize the integrity of the process.”

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding ,(GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, urged the candidates to put in their best in passing the examination with all sense of integrity.

Saraso appreciated the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the division to host the promotion.

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He urged the candidates to take the examination seriously as it was a critical milestone to their progression career in the army.(NAN)

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BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane

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2 weeks ago

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February 7, 2025

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BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane

During airborne training in Kaduna State, Nigerian Army Brig. Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu made history on Wednesday by becoming the second person in the Nigerian Army to ever execute such a daring jump from a moving plane.

He accomplished this feat by making a spectacular leap from a moving aircraft and landing with the help of a parachute.

“The General has in a remarkable display of leadership and bravery, achieved a historic airborne feat, matching the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General KTJ Minimah.

”As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Lt Gen Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.

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“Brig Gen Aliyu’s jump was more than just a personal achievement; it demonstrated his commitment to the future of the Nigerian Army. He was not alone in this feat, as cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) joined him, marking their first parachute jump and the beginning of their careers as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“By leading from the front, Brig Gen Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s enduring ethos: “No guts, no glory.” This moment was not just an airborne jump, but a lesson in leadership. For the cadets who jumped alongside him, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.

“Brig Gen Aliyu’s action embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, where leaders do not just issue orders, but share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead. As the Nigerian Army continues to shape its future leaders, Brig Gen AS Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as a lasting inspiration, reminding them that leadership is about stepping forward, into the unknown, with those who will one day take up the mantle, the Nigerian Army told journalists.

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