1 week Ago By Solomon Odeniyi
The Defence Headquarters has dispelled reports that it appointed a senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff. Also, the DHQ said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, spoke with the COAS, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, confirming that he was in good health. There were speculations over the health of Lagbaja, who has been on leave and out of the country since September.
On Sunday, there were viral reports about his rumoured death, which were dismissed by the Army Headquarters. Amid the rumours of his death, another report emerged, claiming the DHQ had appointed an acting Chief of the Army Staff. Refuting the report in a statement on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said there was no provision for an acting Chief of Army Staff in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He dismissed any insinuation of a vacuum, as he clarified that the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Ibrahim, had been providing routine briefs to the Chief of Army Staff, in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures. “The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as Acting Chief of Army Staff, contrary to speculation by certain media outlets. For the record, no such appointment exists within the AFN.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave. “The AFN is professionally managed, and all 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 SOP,” he said.
Gusau warned those behind the several rumours against the army chief to desist from such acts. Related News Army debunks COAS death rumours, retires 15 Generals Sexual harassment: Review my case, ex-female solider begs COAS CDS restates military’s loyalty to govt, warns agitators He said, “The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately.” Gusau said Lagbaja was in good health and would soon resume his duties after completing his leave.
“The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume his normal duties at the end of his leave. “Media organisations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before spreading fake news to the public. The CDS had spoken with the COAS just a few minutes ago,” he said.
Gusau also criticised those calling for the military to take over the government of President Bola Tinubu. This was in response to a viral video featuring a group of individuals lamenting the hardship under Tinubu’s administration and urging the military to intervene. However, Gusau stressed that the military remained loyal to Tinubu’s government and would not disrupt his administration.
He said, “Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in the viral video, should be aware that such actions are considered treason under the Constitution. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and remain loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “The military is focused on fulfilling its statutory responsibilities, including safeguarding 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.”.
