The Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the late Commanding Officer of 20 Model Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye, died as a result of a bandit attack, describing the claims as false and misleading.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Lieutenant Colonel Okoye passed away on 13 June 2026 following a brief illness and not as a result of any operational incident as suggested in some online reports.
The Brigade stated that the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death were clear and had already been communicated through official channels, stressing that reports linking his demise to banditry or any combat-related engagement were entirely inaccurate.
The Nigerian Army expressed concern over the circulation of unverified information regarding the death of the senior officer, noting that such speculation is not only misleading but also insensitive to his family, colleagues and loved ones.
According to the statement, the spread of false narratives has the potential to create unnecessary anxiety among military personnel, their families and members of the public.
The Army further lamented that some individuals and media platforms chose to speculate on the circumstances of the officer’s death without verifying the facts through official sources.
Headquarters 6 Brigade consequently urged members of the public and media practitioners to disregard the misleading reports and avoid sharing unsubstantiated information capable of undermining public confidence and disrespecting the memory of the deceased officer.
The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and responsible information management, while encouraging the public to seek clarification on military matters through official communication channels.
Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye was described as a dedicated and professional officer who served the nation with honour and distinction. The Nigerian Army stated that it continues to mourn his passing and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
