In a
statement released on Monday, October 21, the DHQ said Lagbaja is currently
observing his annual leave and is “hale and hearty”. There have been public
concerns about the wellbeing of Lagbaja and also his whereabouts. On Sunday,
the Nigerian Army described rumours of Lagbaja’s de@th as “fake news”.
Some online reports had claimed that the
army authorities have appointed a senior officer as acting COAS to plug the
leadership gap.
Reacting to the reports, the director of
defence information, Tukur Gusau, said Lagbaja is reviewing routine briefs from
Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the chief of policy and plans, in accordance with
standard military procedures. Gusau also warned those calling for a military
takeover to desist from it as it is a treasonable offence.
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).
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 the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the
Constitutionof 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.
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 AFN is steadfastly committed to the
preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola
Ahmed 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,”
It advised media organisations 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.
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