The Nigerian Army has been thrown into mourning following the untimely death of Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye, the Commanding Officer of 20 Model Battalion.
While
social media accounts claim that Lt.-Col. Okoye was killed in a bandit attack,
the Nigerian Army in a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, and signed
by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar
Muhammad, insisted that he died after a brief illness.
According
to the Army, “Lt. Col. Okoye passed away on June 13, 2026, after a brief
illness, contrary to claims that his death resulted from a bandit attack or any
operational incident.”
News
Express reports
that Lt.-Col. Okoye’s death was first announced on June 14 via a statement
signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director Army Public
Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army. Below is the text of the statement:
6
BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY MOURNS THE PASSING OF COMMANDING OFFICER, 20 MODEL
BATTALION
The Headquarters, 6 Brigade Nigerian
Army, regrets to announce the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel
Okoye, the Commanding Officer of 20 Model Battalion, who died on 13 June 2026.
The
Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael
Akaliro, officers, and soldiers of the Brigade convey their deepest condolences
to the family of the late officer, the personnel of 20 Model Battalion,
friends, and associates during this difficult time.
Lieutenant
Colonel Emmanuel Gabriel Okoye served the Nigerian Army and the nation with
unwavering dedication, professionalism, and courage. Throughout his
distinguished military career, he demonstrated exemplary leadership and
commitment to duty, making significant contributions to the operational
effectiveness of 20 Model Battalion and the attainment of the Brigade’s
security objectives.
His
service to the nation, devotion to his troops, and steadfast commitment to the
defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty will remain a source of inspiration to
officers and soldiers across the Nigerian Army. His death is a great loss not
only to his family and colleagues but also to the Nigerian Army.
While
mourning this painful loss, Headquarters, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, remains
resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property,
maintain peace and security, and defend the territorial integrity of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The
prayers and thoughts of the officers and soldiers of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army
are with the family of the deceased during this period of grief. May Almighty
God grant his soul eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear
this irreparable loss.
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