The attention of Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke has been drawn to a publication circulating on social media containing misleading and inaccurate information regarding the death of the late Commanding Officer of 20 Model Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, acting assistant director army public relations,6 brigade Nigerian army issued to newsmen.
For the avoidance of doubt, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye passed away on 13 June 2026 after a brief illness. His death was neither the result of a bandit attack nor any operational incident, as falsely insinuated in some social media reports. The circumstances surrounding his demise are clear and have been duly communicated through official channels.
The dissemination of unverified information and speculation regarding the cause of his death is not only misleading but also insensitive to the deceased officer’s family and the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian Army is concerned about the spread of false narratives capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among its personnel, their families, and members of the public. It is regrettable that some individuals and platforms have chosen to speculate about the death of a distinguished officer without recourse to verified facts or official sources.
Accordingly, the Brigade urges members of the public and media practitioners to disregard these misleading reports and refrain from sharing unsubstantiated information that undermines public confidence and disrespects the memory of the deceased officer.
Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and the responsible dissemination of information. Members of the public are encouraged to seek clarification through official military communication channels.
Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye served the nation with dedication, professionalism, and honour. The Nigerian Army continues to mourn his passing and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.