6 Brigade Debunks Reports Linking Death of Battalion Commander to Bandit Attack
By Christiana Babayo
The Headquarters of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that the late Commanding Officer of 20 Model Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye, was killed during a bandit attack.
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In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Army clarified that Lieutenant Colonel Okoye died on June 13, 2026, following a brief illness.
The Brigade stated that contrary to claims being circulated on some social media platforms, the senior military officer’s death was not connected to any operational engagement, bandit attack, or security incident.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye passed away 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 statement said.
The Army expressed concern over the spread of unverified information regarding the officer’s death, describing such reports as misleading and insensitive to the bereaved family and the institution.
According to the Brigade, the circumstances surrounding the officer’s passing had already been clearly communicated through official channels, making speculation unnecessary and irresponsible.
The statement further warned that the dissemination of false narratives could create unnecessary anxiety among military personnel, their families, and members of the public, while also undermining confidence in official information sources.
The Brigade therefore urged media practitioners and the general public to disregard the misleading reports and refrain from sharing unsubstantiated information.
The 6 Brigade reiterated its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and responsible information management, encouraging members of the public to seek clarification through official military communication channels whenever necessary.
The Nigerian Army described the late Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye as a dedicated and honourable officer who served the nation with professionalism and commitment.
It added that the Army continues to mourn his passing and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
