The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that no appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.
Gusau said that no such appointment existed within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), saying that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.
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According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.
He said the armed forces was professionally managed, adding that all the Service Chiefs were performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Gusau clarified that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, was 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,” he said.
The defence spokesman warned those advocating for a military takeover be aware that such actions were treasonable under the Constitution.
According to him, the armed forces is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The military remains focused on achieving its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity.
“The relative peace being enjoyed today is a direct result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of the AFN leadership.
“To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.
“The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured,” he added.
The Nigerian Army on Sunday refuted reports circulating that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has passed away.
Several reports, originating from a social media post by a Nigerian journalist, announced the death of the Army chief, which quickly went viral.
The journalist claimed that Lagbaja had died of cancer 48 hours earlier.
The post read: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official.
“The death of the Chief of Army Staff has been kept secret due to intense lobbying by some generals who wish to take the position.
“Lagbaja, born on 28 February 1968 in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.”
In response to the post on X, the Nigerian Army labelled it as fake news.
