The Headquarters of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke has refuted social media claims suggesting that the late Commanding Officer of the 20 Model Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye, was killed in a bandit attack.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Army described the reports as false, misleading, and unsupported by verified facts.
It clarified that Lt. Col. Okoye passed away on June 13, 2026, following a brief illness, and not as a result of any operational activity or attack, contrary to circulating claims online.
According to the statement, the details of his death were properly communicated through official military channels.
The Army expressed concern over the spread of misinformation regarding the officer’s passing, noting that such speculation was insensitive to the bereaved family and the institution.
It warned that the dissemination of unverified reports could cause unnecessary panic among military personnel, their families, and the general public.
The Brigade also criticized individuals and media platforms for circulating unconfirmed accounts without seeking official clarification.
It therefore urged journalists and members of the public to disregard the false reports and avoid sharing information not backed by credible sources.
The statement reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to transparency and responsible communication, encouraging the public to rely only on official channels for accurate updates.
BACKSTORY..
Reports about the death of Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye sparked confusion online after claims emerged alleging that the senior officer was killed during a bandit attack. The rumours quickly gained traction on social media, prompting concern among members of the public and military observers.
However, the Nigerian Army moved swiftly to address the speculation, stressing that such narratives often surface in the absence of verified information, especially when high-ranking officers are involved. Military authorities noted that misinformation tends to spread rapidly in sensitive security situations, leading to unnecessary panic and distortion of facts.
In clarifying the situation, the Army explained that official communication channels remain the only reliable source for updates on personnel matters, especially concerning deaths within service ranks. It also reiterated that the officer’s passing was due to health-related causes, urging the public to be cautious about unverified online reports.
