The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports claiming the appointment of a senior officer as Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following speculation surrounding the health of the current COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who has been on leave since September.
Over the weekend, rumors of Lagbaja’s death went viral but were promptly debunked by Army authorities. In response to the ensuing claims that an acting COAS had been appointed, the DHQ issued a formal statement on Monday through its Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
Gusau firmly stated that there is no provision for an acting COAS in the Nigerian Armed Forces and refuted any notion of a leadership vacuum. He clarified that Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine briefs to General Lagbaja in line with the military’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
“The Defence Headquarters has not appointed any senior officer as Acting Chief of Army Staff,” Gusau emphasized. “Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is on a well-earned break as part of his annual leave for 2024. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remains professionally managed, and all Service Chiefs are fulfilling their constitutional duties.”
He also warned against the spread of misinformation, urging those responsible for circulating false reports to desist immediately. Furthermore, Gusau disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had spoken with Lagbaja, confirming the COAS was in good health and would resume duties once his leave concludes.
In his words, “The COAS is hale and hearty and will resume his normal duties at the end of his leave. Media organizations are urged to verify information with the appropriate authorities before disseminating false news. The CDS spoke with the COAS just a few minutes ago.”
Gusau also addressed calls for a military intervention in the government of President Bola Tinubu, following a viral video showing a group decrying the current administration and urging a military takeover. He firmly reiterated the military’s loyalty to Tinubu’s government and condemned any attempts to destabilize the nation’s democracy.
“Those calling for a military takeover should understand that such actions are tantamount to treason under the Constitution,” he said. “The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to the preservation and advancement of democracy and are fully loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The relative peace currently enjoyed is a testament to the President’s support for the military and the leadership of the AFN.”
He concluded by stating that the Armed Forces, along with other security agencies, have been directed to take necessary actions against individuals or groups promoting unconstitutional changes in the country.
