The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that no senior officer has been appointed as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). It emphasized that such a position does not exist within the Armed Forces.
This clarification follows reports circulating on certain online platforms and social media regarding the alleged death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The Nigerian Army authority clarified on Saturday that Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja was on leave and receiving medical check-ups abroad.
It explained that before the COAS proceeded on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on his behalf, stating there existed no leadership vacuum as speculated in some quarters.
The DHQ in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday, explained that the Chief of Policy and Plans is only “providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures,” and not the acting COAS, adding that such appointment doesn’t exit in the military.
The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contrary to speculation by certain media outlets. For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
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“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN. Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.
“The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.
“Media organisations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.
“Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.”
The DHQ assured that the military was committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy, and loyal to President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It said: “The military remains focused on achieving its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity.
“To this end, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.”
